All Are Welcomed

754 S. 3rd Street - Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Reverend Dr. William C. Green, Pastor

WORSHIP WITH US IN THE BUILDING OR VIRTUALLY
Every Sunday at 11:15 A.M.
at (978) 990-5000
Access Code: 424591

 

Our Rich Heritage

Phillips Temple Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was named for Bishop Charles Henry Phillips, the 8th Bishop of the C.M.E. Church. Our congregation began as a spiritual outgrowth from Russell Tabernacle C.M.E. Church back; in 1946 a group of devoted believers who banded together to praise and serve God in the Methodist way, under the leadership of a young Southern Gentleman minister who was serving his appointment at Russell Tabernacle.  This devoted, faithful and kingdom building minister the Reverend James H. Tucker and __ other band of believers set out to follow a spiritual vision to start a new congregation with God, as “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV God’s light led Sister Lucille Judge to speak for him and secure a place for the church to start at Pelzer Funeral Home located at 5th and Christian Street. This band of believers met in May 27, 1946 in the parlor of Pelzer and founded and organized a congregation to be known as Phillips Temple Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, (the fifth Colored Methodist Church in the City of Philadelphia). The founding charter members were as follows:

Rev. James H. Tucker-Founding Pastor, Mother Lucille Judge, Sister Louise Byrd, Sister Lottie Brown June, Sister Hattie Mae Williams, Sister Margaret Judge Jones, Brother Earnest Major.

The first official board meeting was held on May 28, 1946.

Between 1946 and 1973, Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church worshipped in three different locations; for nearly a month at Pelzer Funeral Home 5th & Christian Streets, then the Lord moved again and the congregation was blessed with their first church building at 6th & Christian Streets were they worshipped for three (3) years; and the move of God happened again prospering under the leadership of  pastor Rev. Tucker and in 1949, the trustees purchased the property at 336-338 Queen Street were they worshipped for twenty-four (24) years; the congregation grew from thirty-three faithful members to over two hundred-fifty (250) members. During the period of growth in the congregation and needing funds to save buy or build a new church the Pastor, Official Board Members and Members voted to come out of the Episcopal conference connection with the caveat to always be open to returning if the body elected to do so for the good of God’s church. The church name changed as did all Colored Methodist Episcopal Churches; in 1954 the General Conference of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church met in Memphis and adopted a resolution changing the name of the church to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Phillips Temple was now officially known as Phillips Temple Christian Methodist   Church.

Through continued prayers and dedicated work of its members building up the kingdom of God through leading people to Christ, community outreach, feeding and clothing the poor, visiting the sick and those imprisoned and giving benevolence as much as they could gather; God answered their prayers by providing the congregation with a larger church home which is our current site 754 S. 3rd a former Synagogue and in January of 1973 we held our first worship service. As we continued to work and pray, we began negotiating for repairs on the church. Again, under the leadership of Rev. Tucker, God blessed us and in 1981 we were able to start repairs.

Our history would be incomplete without mentioning there are numerous precious memories of Phillips revolving around our founding members and other persons who were positioned as mothers and fathers of the congregation. God has faithfully had a “ram in the bush” for us.

Rev. Tucker’s health began to fail in 1984. At that time, Rev. Louis Burt was the Associate Minister and in 1986 he was made the Interim Pastor. Rev. Burt resigned from the position in 1987; and Rev. William Green, who was the Associate Minister, was made the Interim Pastor.

In December 1990, God chose to call our pastor Rev. James H. Tucker from labor to rest. In 1991 the then Rev. William C. Green was elected Pastor of Phillips Temple.  Since the spiritual birth of Phillips Temple C.M Church, there have been only two pastors: Founding Pastor ~ Rev. James H. Tucker (1946-1990) and Rev. Dr. William C. Green (1991 to present).

Other ministers who have served the congregation: Rev. L.A. Martin, Rev. E.W. Holden, Rev. L. Roundtree, and Rev. S. T. Wilson.

Rev. Tucker, as Pastor and Founder of Phillips Temple, served the God’s church faithfully. The church was his life and he was well known for his humanitarian work in the community. He will always be remembered with heartfelt fondness and gratitude. One of his most quotable scriptures summarizes his work, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

We thank God for our present Pastor, Rev. Dr. William C. Green. He continues the humanitarian work in the community for which Phillips Temple is well known. Pastor Green also keeps us connected with our brother and sisters in CME, AME , ME Zion and UAME church connections through worship, fellowship, community programs were we glean and work together, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Ephesians 4:12-13.” We have been blessed to receive the anointing under the love and care of the Reverend John H. Ghee, retired Presiding Elder, Philadelphia District/7th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and has followed after his retirement with the blessing, anointing and Christian brotherhood under John A. Dillard, III, who was elected the current Presiding Elder, Philadelphia District/7th Episcopal District of the CME Church.

We, the body of Christ named Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church give him glory and praise for every year. To God be the glory for great things he continues to do through his people here.

Our Building image
 
Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church Building's History

An example of adaptive re–use that reflects the changes in the neighborhood, this building was originally a synagogue, then a dance hall, a union hall, and, finally, a church. Since the 1970s, the building has been home to Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church, an African American denomination originating in the American South. Most of Phillips Temple's members can trace their family roots to the south as well—their parents or grandparents came from states like Georgia and the Carolinas early in the 20th century, and, bringing their food and culture with them, built a close-knit community along 3rd and 4th Streets between Bainbridge and Washington Avenue


The Jewish congregations housed here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were small and often formed around chevras—Hebrew for the fraternal societies or associations. Scores of these smaller synagogues proliferated around the Jewish enclaves of South Philadelphia to provide a place of prayer and community for poorer Jews and Jewish immigrants. The Neziner synagogue was moved here in 1895. In 1905, the Neziners moved to South 2nd Street, and Heartfellow Hall, as it was called, was sold to a Romanian congregation. The hall was enlarged to accommodate up to 400 worshippers, and woman's gallery was later added and remains there today. Current Phillips Temple pastor Reverend William Green notes that the building was originally constructed as a very functional, working-class synagogue for laborers and merchants and has undergone relatively little renovation despite its many incarnations


Although members of Phillips Temple have worshipped at 754 South 3rd Street only since the early 1970s, the congregation celebrated its 62nd anniversary in 2008. Speaking of the neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s, church member Margaret Jones remembers that "4th Street was like our 9th Street"—a bustling commercial strip with restaurants, and shops and vendors offering all manner of goods and services from bicycles to beauty parlors, tailor shops to funeral homes. Since the 1970s the neighborhood surrounding the church has experienced great change; most of the shops are gone, replaced by high-priced homes, condos, and restaurants. Many of the area's African American residents have dispersed throughout the city, but they still come together every week at Phillips Temple Christian Methodist for Sunday service followed by a home-cooked feast in the church's basement hall.

THE OFFICIAL BOARD OFFICERS

Reverend Dr. William c. Green, Pastor

 Rose Thomas, Trustees Board Chairman

Deacon Jerome Wilson, Recording Steward

Carolyn Powell, Church Treasurer

Renee Jones, Church Secretary

Cynthia Felton, Church Clerk

The Stewards

The pastor shall nominate persons to the Quarterly Conference for the Office of Steward.  The Quarterly Conference will confirm or reject the nominees.  It shall be the duty of the Stewards to make in conjunction with the Stewardesses, an estimate of appropriations for the pastor. The Stewards are to keep an accurate account of the money collected or other provisions made for the support of the ministry. To keep an accurate record of money spent by the church, for all purposes.

The Stewardesses

The pastor shall nominate persons for the office of the Stewardess to the Quarterly Conference for confirmation or rejection.  The duties of Stewardesses are:  To serve the table of the Lord. To serve the table of the poor.  To serve the table of the ministry.  To assist in collecting, the General Funds.  To work in conjunction with the Board of Stewards.

The Trustees

The pastor shall nominate persons to the Quarterly Conference for the Office of Trustee.  The Quarterly Conference will confirm or reject the nominees.  The Trustees as a board shall hold all property, real, personal and mixed owned by the charge; and other such property as may be committed to their keeping.  The Trustees shall make the property of the church accessible to the pastor and other duly authorized members of the church. church.  The Board of Trustees shall insure that all property of the local church is properly titled and held in trust.

Board of Christian Education

The board consists of the Pastor, Director of Christian Education, and the Superintendent of the Sunday School, the President of the Young, and representatives of other boards and auxiliaries:  The Board organizes and administers the educational ministry and activities of the church, i.e Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.  The Director of Christian Education shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by the Quarterly Conference.

The Sunday Church School

The School provides training for members of the church in the love and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and in the meaning and understanding of the Bible as God’s word.  The teaching ministry at the Sunday School shall be divided into the age categories of children, youth, young adults and adults.  The Superintendent is the administrative officer of the Sunday Church School and nominated by the Pastor and presented to the Quarterly Conference for confirmation.

 Choirs and Personnel

In the Worship of God, singing plays a prominent role.  There shall be one or more Choirs in every church.  There shall be a president of each choir who shall be a member of the Church.  There shall be a church instrumentalist chosen by the members or Pastor and officers.                             

Board of Ushers

The duties of the Ushers shall be to admit people to the House of Worship, attend to their comfort while they are there.  Perform other duties during the Worship service assigned by the Pastor and adheres to the usage of books on ushering that may be prescribed for use of the Church.  They shall elect their own officers.                          

 

Women Ministry  

This organization is responsible for developing and promoting throughout our church and community an effective Christian Ministry to Women.  

Ministry to Men 

This organization is responsible for developing and promoting throughout our church and community an effective Christian Ministry fellowship to Men.   

Pastor Aides

Their responsibility is to accommodate the needs of the Pastor.  Compose of Church members.

   

Church Address:                         754 S. Third Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Church Phone Number:      215.928.1136

Church E-Mail: phillipstemplecmchurch@yahoo.com

 

 


Our Worship Services image
Sunday School every Sunday at 10:00 AM
Sunday Morning Worship Services 11:15 AM
Sunday Afternoon Worship Services 3:30 PM
Holy Communion Service every 1st Sunday  11:15 AM
Bible Study every Wednesday at 7:00 PM (Virtually) 
      *  Dial-in (313)209-8800 access code: 1184720
Official Board Meetings every 4th Sunday

 
 

 

        PHILLIPS TEMPLE C.M. CHURCH 2024 YEARLY CALENDAR

January

01 New Years Service

15: Martin  Luther King Jr. Day

February

 February 14 - Ash Wednesday

 February 25 - Heritage Sunday

 

March

  March 17 -   Pastor's Anniversary

  March 24 - Palm Sunday

  March 29 - Good Friday

  March 31 - Easter

                                                                     April

 Dates TBD


May

  May 12  Mother’s Day

  May  19        78 Church Anniversary

  May 27 Memorial Day 

 

June

16:  Father’s  Day

23:  Mass Choir's Anniversary

July

04:  Independence Day

21: Male Chorus Anniversary

 

August

04:    Trustees Annual Day

 

September

 

15: Senior Choir's Anniversary

 

October

03:  3Rd Quarter Church Conference

06:  Family & Friends Day

20:  Ushers Anniversary

26:  Fall Fest

27:  Missionary /Class Leaders Anniversary

November

 

17:  Unity Day

24:  Missionary Sunday

28:  Thanksgiving

December

08:  Sanctuary Choir's Anniversary

22: Pastor’s Conference

25: Christmas

31: New Year Eve Service


 PHILLIPS TEMPLE CHRISTIAN METHODIST CHURCH 2021 BLACK HISTORY QUIZ

1. Born in 1940 and raised by his grandmother, this rubbery-faced entertainer attacked stereotypes and America's consciousness with his no-apologies, in-your-face style and verbal arsenal and became one of the most influential performers of the last 30 years. a) Chuck Berry                 b) Richard Pryor            c) Denzel Washington

2. In which year were W.E.B. Du Bois and William Trotter among the leaders of the meeting from which sprung the Niagra Movement - the forerunner of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People? a) 1905                                b) 1912                                          c) 1895

3. Frank Sinatra once called this singer "unquestionably the most important influence on American popular singing in the last twenty years." Her career saw the highs of great record sales, a stint singing with Count Basie and the lows of drug problems. She will always be remembered for her unique style and her "bluesy" autobiography. She is: a) Mahalia Jackson                       b) Madame C. J. Walker            c) Billie Holiday

4. Born on June 15, 1939, and embarrassed by living on public funds, he would become one of the most visible leaders in the fight against affirmative action in the United States. He once compared affirmative action to slavery - claiming it leaves blacks dependent on and dominated by whites, who make the  decisions on whether to allow them special consideration in matters of education and employment. He is:                   a) Martin Luther King, Jr.   b) Ward Connerly        c) Russell Simmons

5. With such books as Dust Tracks on a Road, I Love Myself When I Am Laughing and Mules and Men, she called attention to herself and her blackness during a time when blacks were being urged to assimilate themselves to promote better race relations. Her works are seen as manifestos of selfhood and the positive aspects of black life. This author is:    a) Gwendolyn Brooks    b) Maya Angelou                            c) Zora Neale Hurston

6. In the years before Black History Month began to be celebrated, how often were African Americans lynched? a) Every 2 ½ hours          b) Every 2 ½ days                   c) Every 2 ½ months                  d) Every 2 ½ years

7. How many slaves did prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass estimate there were in the years before the Civil War? a) 3000                b) 30,000                  c) 1,000,000                 d) 3,000,000

8. When the conflict over abolition was ended with the Civil War, what did African-American demonstrators outside the White House say was the one thing more that they needed? a) the right to vote                                             b) the right to protest                    c) farms d) jobs

9. Sixty years after the Civil War ended, what federal program helped to preserve the oral histories of people who had been slaves?                          a) the CIA    b) the WPA    c) the TVA                         d) the Library of Congress

10. Who came before Rosa Parks in protesting the segregation of public transportation? a) Susan B. Anthony                   b) Frederick Douglass                   c) Sojourner Truth           d) Maya Angelou1

1. Who knew by the age of 10 that he wanted to be a revolutionary?                 a) Marcus Garvey              b) Nelson Mandela                 c) Martin Luther King, Jr.               d) Tupac Shakur

 12. What was it that made Nat Turner lead his famous revolt in 1831?a) too many whippings                 b) having his children sold from him         c) a series of visions from Satan d) a series of visions from God

13. What famous black leader said, "over blacks must be their king, Not white, but of their somber hue, To rule a nation of themselves?"                 a) Marcus Garvey             b) Nelson Mandela                c) Martin Luther King, Jr.                d) Tupac Shakur

14. How did Martin Luther King Jr. think negroes should meet the physical force thrown at them by discriminating whites?            a) with brute force                   b) with soul force        c) with a negro police forced) with peaceful protests

15. What were the men at the Million Man March supposed to do right after they took the pledge?  a) raise a fist               b) contribute to their communities             c) hug their brothers  d) hug their families

16. What's the spirit behind the last line of the poem recited at President Clinton's first inauguration?  a) patriotism for the U.S.         b) confidence in President Clinton  c) respect for our government                  d) optimism for new beginnings

17. What percentage of U.S. newspapers have no black reporters on staff? a) 53%                            b) 45%                     c) 33%                d) 15%

18. How many poor black families and poor white families are there in America? a) 5 million black, over 2 million white     b) 3 million black, 3 million white c. Over 2 million black, 5 million white         d) 4 million black, 5 million white

19. From 1980 to 1990 what was the rate of increase for single mothers?a) The black rate grew nine times as much.                  b) The white rate grew nine times as much. c) Both rates increased rapidly.                                    d) The black rate was increasing; the white decreasing.

20. What percentage of the U.S. 71,000 professional athletes are African-Americans? a) 60%                 b) 25%           c) 10%                              d) 7% 

21. In the early 1900s, this Black architect designed the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Parkway Central Library. Paul Revere Williams b) Julian Francis Abele   c) Robert R. Taylor   d) Beverly Loraine Greene

22. A City Hall-adjacent statue of this early abolitionist and Philadelphia locomotive manufacturer was vandalized during the first day of protests in the city, but was cleaned up the next morning. a) W.E.B. DuBois b) Octavius Catto   c) Matthias Baldwin    d) John Brown

23. About a mile up North Broad from the recently restored Met Philly, this 2,000-seat theater central to Philly's Black community in the late 1900s is struggling to raise funding for renovations. a) Divine Lorraine   b) Uptown Theater     c) The Dell   d) Girard Music Hall

24. Published in 2017, the modern opera “We Shall Not Be Moved” commemorates what event in Philadelphia's history? a) Rizzo statue installation at MSB      b) Girard College integration    c) MOVE bombing       d) Founding of the African American Museum


                                               MATCHING

____ Kenneth Clark ____ Shirley Chisholm ____ Jesse Owens ____ Ella Baker____ Benjamin Banneker ____ A. Philip Randolph ____ Booker T. Washington 

a) enraged Adolf Hitler by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

 b) astronomer and mathematician, he helped survey Washington, D.C. in 1791. 

c) born a slave, became one of the most influential black educators of the pre-civil rights era.

 d) research on the effects of segregation influenced Brown v. Topeka Board of Education (1954). 

e) NAACP field secretary (1938), worked with SCLC (1957), helped found SNCC (1960). 

f) instrumental in persuading FDR to ban discrimination in defense industry and fed gov (1941). 

g) first black woman in Congress (House of Representatives, 1969), ran for president in 1972.


NAME: _______________________________________send your answers to PTCMC EMAIL: Phillipstemplecmchurch@yahoo.com NLT March 15, 2021

  • 754 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA