The Church of the Living God Reading Street Inc., formally known as The Church of the Living God Temple Number 3 has existed for over 43 years. Established in 1960, and built in 1962 and finished in 1964.
This temple is an outgrowth of an agreement between the executive officers and Bishop Thomas Smith Jr. at the time called Elder Thomas Smith Jr. that a new temple would be established in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bishop Smith and the first members met in the home of Sis. Lula Brumfield in February 1960 to set in motion the plans and operation of the new temple. Bishop Smith appointed officers for the church and auxiliaries so they could begin working immediately to raise funds to build.
The first services were held in february 21, 1960 in the Union Hall on North St. Louis st., which we rented from the Oil Capitol Singing for two weeks. Then we rented the Lincoln Park Recreational Center for an indefinite period until we were notified we must be out by september of 1960. During this time the pastor and members of the board were continuously searching for property to purchase for a permanent location.
Our present location was purchased in 1961. There were three houses on the property. We used one for service, one for parsonage and one was sold. In 1962. When the Urban Renewal moved into the area, immediate plans were made to build. A loan was secured and construction begun. In 1963, during construction, we held services and worshiped with Bishop Musgrove. This continued until April 1964, at which the time we were able to finally move into our church. The Church was the dedicated the first sunday in May by Bishop Scott. It is a blessing and a honor to have 73 members in the new church and no deaths, May 1964.
ORGINAL OFFICERS
1964
Samuel M Brown (Chairman of Board)
Clifford Owens Sr. (Co-Chairman)
James Love
Hillary Holmes
Freddie Mae Owens (Church Clerk)
Sunday School
1964
Emma Smith (Superintendent)
Charletta Burks (Secretary)
Women's Work Society
1964
Sis. Burks (President)
Virgie Brown (Financial Secretary and Treasurer)
Y.P.P.U
1964
Bishops Thomas Smith Jr. (President)
Senior Choir
1964
Clifford Owens Sr. (President)
Virgie Brown (Director)
Junior Choir
1964
Margaret Love (President)
Jo Marion Gilbert (Director)
Ushers
1964
Lillian Dickerson (President) |
