Our Story

In 1947, God gave to The Most Reverend Elizabeth Rhodes a vision of a church being built from the ground up. She had believed that God was going to bless her pastor, the Late Bishop Walter Warner, with a new church. When she told Bishop Warner of her dream, he told her it was not his church that she had envisioned, but God was preparing her for her own church.

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Being obedient to the order of God, on Sunday, October 19, 1952, + E. Rhodes started a Sunday School in the basement of her home at 1030 N. Bentalou Street, Baltimore, Maryland, with five little girls present along with herself were three of her daughters Mazarene, Janice, and Roberta Rhodes, as well as Doris and Helen McClain. Her dear friend Mother Maude McClain was too ill to attend the origin service but joined later, as did Deacon Robert Rhodes (the first gentleman), Deacon James McClain, along with Brother Edward and Sister Mozen Rhoses. The Sunday School continued to grow until it was the size of a full church. Not having a place to accommodate the vastly growing ministry, + E. Rhodes decided to conduct part-time services with other churches. On December 1, 1955, we were incorporated, and became known as “Holy Temple Pentecostal Church, Inc.” which we are still called today. In 1956, we were finally blessed to move into our own edifice at 861 W. Franklin Street. That little place was full of the Holy Spirit. It was just as Pastor Rhodes’ prayed it would be “A Filling Station.”

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In the spring of 1959, the ground was broken and the church was built at its present location, 574 W. Presstman Street. Having stepped out on faith, + E. Rhodes, which she had now preferred to be called, started building with only $1,200.00. Miraculously, the money never ran out and we were able to complete the building without a mortgage. Elder Jannis Bailey was the general contractor, assisted by Pastor Rhodes, Deacon Robert Rhodes, Deacon James Washington, and Trustee Edward Rhodes as well as a few volunteers from other churches. Pastor Rhodes was a hands-on helper, tackling many duties that most women would not even consider attempting. Master Carpenter, Deacon Arthur Lofton, put the roof on the building and the project was completed successfully.

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On Sunday, November 29, 1959 we marched in the doors of the church and began having services.God continued to bless this location and the church thrived. God truly had his anointing on Pastor Rhodes; saving many and healing numerous illnesses through her ministry.

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In 1976, the Lord led Pastor Rhodes to appoint her youngest daughter, Rev. Roberta Gasque as her Assistant Pastor. Upon her death in 1978, Rev. Gasque became the Pastor and Overseer of Holy Temple Pentecostal Church, Inc & Churches. She served Holy Temple Church & Churches for 44 years. In 2022 she was announced her retirement and appointed Pastor Gary Rivers as her successor. In 2023 Pastor Rivers served his year as interim pastor. In that same year, Overseer Miller was consecrated as Bishop and rebranded Holy Temple Pentecostal Churches to Elevation Christian Network. 

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In 2024 Pastor Rivers was installed as Senior Pastor and Appointed as an Overseer. Since his time as pastor the church has flourished. He appointed Elder Regina Davis as Co-Pastor. Under Overseer Rivers teaching that church has accepted the feast days (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles) according to the scripture. He has also constructed the Holy Temple Museum picturing the generations of our church history.