100 Years Strong…
A mighty Pentecostal revival came to the St. Louis area and
spread to Granite City in 1920 where an outpouring of the Holy Spirit was taking place at First Assembly of God. Due to various transportation issues people were unable to travel regularly to
the services, so a small group of people began to conduct
services in their homes in North Venice.
The church began to grow and the people rented an old tavern for services. It wasn’t long until the church purchased a lot on Douglas Street in order to build, and this building would be called Assembly of God Tabernacle. In January 1922 the General Council of the Assemblies of God officially recognized this body of believers and they became known as North Venice Assembly of God.
In 1935 the people agreed to purchase two lots on Selb and Calhoun where it became home from 1936 to1958. The church saw tremendous growth and was in need of a larger building to worship in. In 1958, under the leadership of Rev. J.R. Randolph the church moved to Granite City purchasing and remolding the City Theater building. With a name change, they were recognized as City Temple. The church became a revival center having well-known preachers and singing groups. In 1963 Pastor Randolph was killed in an auto accident and his son followed as pastor for the next three years.
In 1966 Rev. A.E. Cope became pastor. Under his leadership,
in 1976 the church relocated and built a new building on eight acres on Maryville Road and continued to have an impact in the community. In 1994, under Pastor Michael Hopkins, the Family
Life Center with gym, kitchen, and classrooms was added
to the church to serve the needs of the ministry.
From our humble beginnings in 1922 of meeting in a small tavern,
a sheep shed, and city theater, and through 26 pastors to this present time in 2022, City Temple’s vision has not changed. The church has always embraced a mighty move of God, and we continue to desire to be a revival center where people can experience the presence and power of God.
To God Be The Glory!
