History - 1980's - 2000

"Near the end of the year 1980, the idea of the formation of another Seventh-day Adventist church in Dallas began to develop in the minds of members of City Temple." After many meetings, much praying and fasting, a few individuals stepped out in faith. On January 17, 1981, Dallas Fellowship Church opened its doors for worship at Bishop College. Elder James Thomas became the first pastor. In March, 1983, twenty-six acres of land was purchased at 5014 Bonnie View road. On July 17, 1983, the congregation held its first ground-breaking ceremony.

In 1982, Elder Jack A. Morris and family arrived in Dallas, from the Hammond, Louisiana district. One of the youngest pastors to receive a full-time assignment to City Temple, his love for reading was shared with his local elders. He initiated Sabbath afternoon Spirit of Prophecy classes and New Year's Eve family communions. Evangelist Oscar Lane brought revival to Dallas, Texas. As a result of his proclamation of the gospel, Faith Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to serve as a beacon in the community.

In 1983, Mrs. Verdia Tucker, Bible Worker for the Southwest Region Conference, initiated S.W.A.T. (Soul Winning Action Team) at City Temple Church. Mrs. Tucker and S.W.A.T. gave Bible studies in South and West Dallas neighborhoods. During the summer of 1985, with the permission of Pastor Jack Morris, Elder Nathaniel Lee, Mrs. Virginia Phillips and S.W.A.T. conducted a Revelation Seminar resulting in fifteen baptisms, leading up to the organization of what is now the Penuel Seventh-day Adventist Church. On November 16, 1985, the Penuel Seventh-day Adventist Church was organized as a new church in the West Dallas community. On January 25, 1986, forty-six members transferred from City Temple to Penuel.

Pastor Morris was assigned to Faith Temple for a short period, during which time Elder Rawden Brown served as interim pastor to City Temple. Sister Tucker Willams was assigned to serve the needs of Faith Temple. The Lord then provided Sister Oree Smith to City Temple, who served faithfully as a Bible worker. Having a desire to continue to raise funds for Christian Education, Sis. Lallage Egleston began a cup ministry following the conclusion of the Children's Story, a tradition that continues even today.

From July 1990 to December 1990, City Temple was without a pastor; but through the leadership and wisdom of our first elder, Kenneth Medlock, our worship continued. Our souls were nourished by many guest speakers of the gospel.

December 1990, Helvius L. Thompson, Jr., was introduced as our pastor. Pastor, evangelist, builder, educator, community leader and friend, Elder Thompson filled all of these roles of administration. Evangelist H.L. Thompson conducted panoramic, multimedia third angels' gospel crusades at our church and in various locations in the metroplex. As a builder, he orchestrated the renovation of our church and school. Evidence of his community involvement was focused on in a December 6, 1997, The Dallas Morning News article in the Religious Section, entitled, "Face to Face".

Student pastors Willie Johnson, Jr. and Michael W. Washington of Southwest Adventist University were given the opportunity to round-out their education by serving the City Temple Seventh-day Adventist church under the guidance of Elder Thompson. Additionally, Pastor Ron Williams started his ministry as the church's Associate Pastor/Bible Instructor.

In the summer of 1995, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Ebony Evangelism came to Dallas, Texas, featuring Calvin Watkins. Many took their stand and vowed an allegiance to Christ. Associate Pastor Tyrone Douglas and Bible Instructors Shirley Smith and Ron Williams ministered and evangelized along side Pastor Thompson.

With the reassignment of H.L. Thompson to Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, the City Temple family was without a pastor. First Elder Kenneth Medlock once again shouldered the responsibilities of leadership for City Temple from June 1999 to January 2000.