Divine Temple Church of the First Born

The history of Divine Temple Church of the First Born, Inc. is preserved with the hope of inspiring our present and future. Divine Temple Church was established in December 1994. The establimentarians of this church were Assistant Bishop Otha Howard and Co Pastor Charles Dickens, Mother Eliza Howard, and Missionary Linda Dickens, under the leadership of Bishop MJ Ellis. These four individuals gave of their time, finances and dedication to start this ministry. The membership and leadership of Divine Temple will always be eternally grateful and thankful for the founders of this church.

Pastor Otha Howard served as Pastor of Divine Temple from its inception until his passing. Pastor Otha Howard had a vision of rebuilding the church. It was his vision and desire to have a baptismal pool, an elevator, and to enlarge the edifice. We praise God that he was able to see his vision come to pass. We praise God that he was able to preach his last sermon, in which he asked the Lord to let his glory fill the house. On March 30, 2017, our founder and visionary, Pastor Otha Howard was called home to be with the Lord. While Pastor Howard’s death left a void in the Divine Temple Church family, we remain steadfast, prayerful, and will continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:14).

On March 5, 2017, the late Pastor and founder Otha Howard knew he was getting weak, and his time, he felt was not long. He stated to his son, “Buddy, the doctors have given up on me; Y’all got to bring on the church.” So, with the help of the Lord, (Buddy- aka Pastor Calvin Howard), picked up the torch, and along with the members of the church, he began to run with the vision. By unanimous vote, Pastor Calvin Howard was installed as Pastor on October 17, 2017. It has been two years since Pastor Otha Howard made his transition to his heavenly home, and his presence is still felt to this day.

As the current Pastor of Divine Temple Church, Pastor Calvin Howard continually prays for the church and all its members. In the words of Pastor Calvin Howard:

Pastor Howard wants the Lord to order his footsteps, and to help us to continue to raise the standard of holiness. He prays that deliverance and salvation be found here, and that gates of hell not prevail against it. He prays for members that are willing and obedient, faithful and ready to continue the work. His motto is “Follow me, as I follow God.”

Over the last 25 years, Divine Temple has been grounded and rooted on the corner of 56th and Hampton. During this time, we have reached out to the community, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Over the years, the church has sponsored many activities for the surrounding community, and community at large. Some of the events that the church sponsors are: Back to School Rallies, a Community Outreach team established that goes beyond to help those in need. Whether it be helping people with clothing, appliances, financial assistance, or spiritual needs. We pray that in the upcoming years that we will be able to continue the activities that we have in place, as well as implement other programs based on the needs of the community. Our desire as a church is to meet the people where they are, and to let them know that Jesus loves them, and that he can heal, deliver and set you free.

We are ecstatic at the growth of the church’s membership; souls are being added to church. The Pastor’s desire is that once you become a member of the church that you do not just sit down, but that you work within the church. Divine Temple currently has a functioning: Men’s Department, Women’s Department, Youth Department, Pastor’s Aide Department, Bereavement Team, Outreach Department, and Usher Board. There are three choirs and a praise team that minister through song on their specified Sunday. Divine Temple has an awesome membership that is faithful and dedicated to the church. We also have Elders that minister to God’s people, as well as support and encourage the Pastor. We have Missionaries and Deaconess that teach and help with the upkeep and the beautification of the church. We have Deacons and Trustees that support and encourage the Pastor, and make sure that the business of the church runs smoothly and efficiently. Overall, we have a membership that works harmoniously together. Regardless on the ministry that we must work willingly at whatever we because we know we are working for the Lord, rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus reminds His disciples, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell not prevail against it.” Twenty - five years ago, Divine Temple Church built its foundation and hope upon the rock of Jesus because we know that all other ground is sinking sand. We plant our faith in the rock of Jesus because he is a rock that does not waiver. We cast our vision on the rock of Jesus, because He is a rock that will not budge. Because Jesus is our rock, Divine Temple’s history is rich, our present is focused and steadfast, and our future is purposeful and guided by the Holy Spirit.