Allen Temple AME Church History
Year Church Established: 1893
Founding Bishop: Bishop Henry McNeal Turner
Oldest Living Member: Sis. Bettye J. Foreman
Church Email Address: allentemplebessemer@gmail.com
Early Beginnings
More than 134 years ago, a group of Christian-minded individuals, led by Reverend G.W. Mitchell, established Allen Temple AME Church. Originally, the church stood in a small white-frame building across the old car line at Tenth Avenue and Twenty-Second Street.
Reverend Haines later inspired the relocation of the church, leading to the construction of a new building in 1911.
Pastoral Leadership Through the Years
Allen Temple has been led by many dedicated pastors:
- R. Gray
- B.F. Mallard
- P.T. Matherson
- J.T.L. Dandridge
- Adams
- H.H. Newsome
- Hayden
- J.C. Bonner
- B.J. Nolen
- G.W. Scott
- W.P. Foley Sr.
- F.E. Legg
- J.F. Holmes
- J.C. Faulk
- Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr. (Interim)
- R.J. Rumley II
- Dwight E. Dilliard Sr.
- Nathaniel M. Copeland
- P.W. Jones
- Lugenia Johnson
- Currently: Pastor Anre D. Faush
Church Growth & Expansion
1974-1985: Reverend J.C. Faulk
Appointed by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, Pastor Faulk’s accomplishments included:
- Purchasing and paying off a modern brick parsonage in 18 months.
- Leading the congregation into a new sanctuary and educational building in 1982.
- Expanding church properties worth over $500,000.
The new church was dedicated on June 6, 1982, by Bishop Philip R. Cousin.
1985-1990: Reverend R.J. Rumley II
Under his administration, Allen Temple:
- Purchased a 16-passenger van and a 45-passenger bus.
- Acquired four properties across the street.
- Launched the Soup Kitchen and Clothes Closet ministry.
1990-2002: Reverend Dwight E. Dilliard Sr.
During his tenure:
- Membership flourished.
- Church support for missions and education expanded.
- Mortgage debts on multiple properties were cleared.
2002-2004: Reverend Nathaniel M. Copeland
Pastor Copeland’s tenure was marked by:
- A partnership with Abrams Elementary School.
- Increased youth engagement in church leadership.
- Strengthening the Praise Dancers Ministry.
2004-2009: Reverend P.W. Jones
Under Pastor Jones, Allen Temple experienced significant growth:
- Bible Study attendance grew to 75 weekly participants.
- Introduced Children’s Church.
- Started ministries like Keenagers (for seniors 60+), Male Choir, and Computerized Accounting.
2009-2013: Reverend Dr. Lugenia Johnson
The first female pastor at Allen Temple, Dr. Johnson focused on:
- Implementing a financial solvency plan.
- Hosting the **first Northwest Annual Conference** in 2010.
- Expanding the **Keenagers Ministry** to include health and wellness activities.
2013-Present: Reverend Anre’ D. Faush
Since his appointment by Bishop James Davis, Pastor Faush has:
- Enhanced the **Soup Kitchen Ministry** by adding a toiletries ministry.
- Established partnerships with:
- **Elks Lodge** – Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Harvest Festival.
- **DeMeco Ryan Foundation** – Providing school supplies and uniforms for children in need.
- **DHR** – Supporting children in the foster care system with essential clothing.
