About Greater Christ
About us
Greater Christ Temple Church adopts it’s inspiration from Ezekiel 34:16 “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed…” We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, written by Holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
We believe in one God, who is infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purposes, as well as omniscient, and omnipresent. We believe that he was revealed to us as Father in creation. As Son in redemption, and as Holy Spirit in His comforting grace that never leaves those who trust Him. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17).
We believe in baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This constitutes the new birth. We believe in living a holy, sanctified life. We believe in divine healing, communion, and foot-washing.
What We Believe
In the Bible, the inspired and infallible word of God, written by Holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Timothy 3:15-16) In one God, who is infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes, and purposes, as well as omniscient and omnipresent. We believe that he was revealed to us as Father in creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in His comforting grace that never leaves those who trust Him. (Deuteronomy. 6:4; John 1:1; Colossians. 1:15-17).
That Jesus was both human and divine, and further, that Jesus was God, manifested in the flesh, the eternal father made visible. (Matthew 3:16-17; I Timothy 3:16) In the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. We believe that He ascended on high and has sent His Spirit (the Holy Ghost), which was poured out at Jerusalem over 1900 years ago, and it is this same Spirit that is filling the hearts of those who diligently seek Him today. (Mark 8:31; Acts 1:9; Luke 24:50-52; John 14:26)
In baptism of the Holy Ghost and in baptism in water by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This constitutes the new birth. (Acts 2:4-8; Acts 2:38)
In living a holy, and sanctified life through the power of the Holy Ghost, until the second coming of Jesus Christ. We believe in divine healing, communion, and foot washing. We believe also in the glorious catching away of the saints when Jesus returns in the clouds in glory to take away his people to heaven (the Rapture). (John 11:2; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 13:26) We look forward to seeing you at our worship services and events.
The History Of Greater Christ Temple Church
It was late June of 1959 that District Elder Benjamin Moore, pastor of Bethel Christian Church Seattle, Washington, spoke to Elder Curtis Montgomery concerning a small mission in Tacoma which had been started by Elder Leroy Womack, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana. Elder Womack stated that the Lord had not called him to pastor, and that he “wanted someone to take over the work” which consisted of four adults and a few small children. After much prayer, fasting, and seeking the Lord, Elder Montgomery felt it was God’s will for him to go to Tacoma to pastor.
On a Thursday evening, July 9, 1959, Elder Montgomery was officially installed as pastor over this small work. Besides he and his wife, and District Elder Moore who officiated, there were four members present at this meeting. On the following Sunday, two converts were baptized.
In October, after much cleaning, repairs and renovation, the little flock moved into what now looked like a small chapel. There was no piano, stove benches or other items necessary for a house of worship, but seeing the faith of this small group, God supplied the need.
As time passed, all of the members left the church leaving Elder Montgomery and his family. The Lord impressed upon Elder Montgomery to start over with a new church. At this time, the Pastor felt to change the name of the church, which was then called Christ Temple, but God let him know that He wanted this name to be retained.
Several years prior to Elder Montgomery coming to Tacoma, there was another Oneness minister who had a church called Christ Temple, but he left the city leaving the work unattended. It was revealed to Elder Montgomery at a later time that this temple in Tacoma was to be a new and greater temple which he was to establish.
God blessed the work and two more families were added. In 1961, the sanctuary was enlarged. In 1963, the church purchased its first organ. The next year, a piano was acquired. In 1968, an 18-foot lighted cross, which was built by Elder Montgomery, was placed in front of the building.
It was 1967 when God began to direct the Pastor to purchase land. Several parcels were purchased adjacent to and near the church. In 1968, we began a Building Fund Program. God gave District Elder Montgomery the vision for a new edifice with specific structural design of the building to the simplest details and instructed him to purchase the very best. God always provided for all expenses to be met.
It was October 9, 1977, the congregation and an overflow anniversary crowd, marched into the new sanctuary. A time of rejoicing and jubilation filled the air on that historic night. On October 8, 1978, the new temple was formally dedicated to the glory of God. Bishops, District Elders, ministers, politicians and well-wishers from across the nation attended this milestone celebration for the Lord. In 1984, to commemorate the 25th Church and Pastoral Silver Anniversary celebration, the sanctuary along with other areas of the church, were completely renovated at a cost of nearly $30,000. This was the first major renovation of the now seven year old building.
In October of 1994 construction of a second level to the Moore wing was completed. This addition provided much needed Sunday School classrooms as well as additional office space. Additional parking was also created in conjunction with this construction project. A 20,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility was constructed in 2003 and dedicated in 2004. The Oasis of Hope Center has become a great beacon in the Tacoma Hilltop Community. This ministry focuses on the needs of young people, including a gymnasium and various ministries within the church. It also serves as an overflow worship center for special services and events. After 49 years as Pastor, Bishop Montgomery transitioned to focus on his role as the Diocesan Bishop of the Pacific Northwest District Council. Elder Prentis Johnson, who served as Associate pastor for many years, was chosen to lead this membership. He was officially installed as the Pastor in October 2008. Since 2008, God has blessed Greater Christ Temple Church to initiate and serve the greater Tacoma Area with numerous community programs, including Feed the Need, Carol Milgard Breast Cancer Research Workshops, Health Fairs and many other non-profit based programs.
Church governance, including administrative organizational structure has been improved and implemented. Three churches have been launched from Greater Christ Temple Church during Suffragan Bishop Prentis Johnson’s pastorate. Upgrades to the church facilities have been made. Also, hundreds of souls have been baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Truly God is blessing Greater Christ Temple Church to continue the legacy that Bishop Curtis and Dr. Elinor Montgomery established. In April 2015 Bishop C.E. Montgomery was called to his heavenly reward and in September 2015 Dr. Elinor Montgomery followed to receive her heavenly reward as well. They are both missed, but their vision and legacy lives on.