Our Church History
In 1981, the late District Elder Alfred Revels Sr. founded Apostolic Grace Temple and led the people of God by the direction of the Holy Spirit for almost 20 years. In 2001, District Elder Revels’ son-in-law, Thomas Russell, returned home from pastoring in Okinawa, Japan seeking the Lord for what was to come next.
God’s divine plan was revealed and Pastor Russell became pastor of Apostolic Grace Temple in September 2001.
Elder Russell saw the hand of God immediately in Apostolic Grace Temple with souls being baptized in the precious name of Jesus and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost!
As the church grew Elder Russel realized he was not only called to spiritually direct the church but also tasked to also give it physical repairs. In 2005 he decided to remodel the entire building and grounds.
During the remodel the building was closed, and membership decreased. Still, without hesitation, Elder Russel continued the projects incurring all the financial responsibility.
Unexpectedly, work lasted two years, but upon completion Apostolic Grace Temple became a place of worship that exemplified excellence!
The church had been closed so long that Pastor Russell had a banner made for all to see, “Open April 1st! No Foolin’!”, and that day in 2007 the doors of the church were reopened with only ten members. Since that time, though, Apostolic Grace Temple has continued to grow and thrive with the help of the Lord. An additional facility has been added, named in honor of its late founder. Revels Hall serves as a location for children’s church, community dinners, and other activities.
Souls continue to be baptized in Jesus’ name, families are restored, friends are made, the Word of God is preached, and the people of God worship with hope and expectancy of the good things the Lord has in store for the ministry, crying with a resounding voice, as the psalmist did, “O, taste and see that the Lord is good”!
“Our mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through prayer, outreach, and by example“
District Elder Thomas P. Russell
Our Mission and Vision
Example – We emphasize the original Pentecostal doctrines of salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, continually striving to lead by example by developing fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
Outreach – We believe in educating and touching the lives of others through life-changing ministries and community efforts.
Prayer – We make prayer the basis of our ministry and encourage a personal relationship with God for spiritual growth and maturity.
To Educate and Equip the Saints to withstand Spiritual Warfare.
Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil
– Ephesians 6:11
We Believe…
“…in the name of Jesus and the mystery of the Godhead. Jesus Christ was God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures.” (John 10:30; John 14:9)
“…that the Bible is the divine inspired word of God through human authors. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.”(II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21)
“…the new birth (“being born again”), includes a genuine repentance and the water baptism in Jesus’ Name.”(Acts 2:38; Romans 6:34)
“…in the baptism of the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking of other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.” (Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:1-6)
“…in the Holy Spirit that indwells, illuminates, guides, equips, and empowers believers to live a holy lifestyle.”(I Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:45)