Though their building was torn down nearly two years ago, Evangelistic Temple, Church of God in Christ, never paused its mission. Worshipping in borrowed spaces, the congregation has remained focused on something greater than walls — meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the West Seventh Street community — all while working to raise funds and rebuild a new facility on the same ground.
“We’re not just looking to rebuild a church,” Pastor Timothy Williams said. “We’re trying to help rebuild a community.”
That desire for restoration is at the center of Evangelistic Temple’s efforts. Since the loss of their building — caused when a young man lost his life after crashing into the church — the congregation has continued to meet for Sunday services at the Owensboro YMCA and Bible study over Zoom. But they’ve also remained active in the West Seventh neighborhood, where their roots run deep.
From hosting community events like spring festivals and planning outdoor services on their vacant church lot, to dreaming up programs that tackle hunger, joblessness, and education gaps, Evangelistic Temple is determined to be more than just a place of worship.
“Some people say we’re selling hope. Well, the gospel isn’t just a dream — it is hope,” said Williams. “Christ came to give hope to people who are lost, weary, or broken. If we can change the heart and soul of a person, we can change a neighborhood.”
While the church is thriving in spirit, the lack of a permanent space is still a challenge. Williams and church leaders are in the middle of what they call their “$2 million challenge” — a grassroots fundraising effort seeking support from anyone willing to contribute.
Their goal is simple: if two million people each donate $1, they can fully fund the construction of a new church facility on the same grounds as the previous building. The project, designed through Morton Builders, is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million.
Plans for the new building include a 300-seat sanctuary, multipurpose hall, classroom space for children, and office areas for ministry staff. But the blueprint is more than just a church — it’s a hub for outreach.
“We want to serve the hungry, give out clothing, help people fill out job applications, offer budgeting classes — whatever it takes to meet real needs,” said Deacon Datren Pate. “If it just looks good but doesn’t do good, then it’s useless.”
In many ways, Williams said, losing the building has brought Evangelistic Temple closer to its community than ever before.
On May 24, the church is hosting a spring festival on the church property — one of several planned events designed to show neighbors they’re still active and available. They’ll follow that with an outdoor tent service on June 15, marking a symbolic return to the congregation’s origins. According to Williams, the church first began decades ago with a tent revival on the same grounds.
“We’re not waiting on a building to start making a difference,” Williams said. “We’ll be out there all summer if we have to. That’s what ministry is — meeting people where they are.”
Long-term goals include a food pantry, clothing drives, job training courses, and even small business support. Several members are already involved in local entrepreneurship and education, including teachers and business owners who offer services in and beyond the church.
“God didn’t bless us with skills and experience just to keep it for ourselves,” Williams said. “We’re called to pour into someone else.”
The church’s history stretches back more than 80 years under its original name, West Seventh Street Church of God in Christ. At one point, the church faced closure and dwindling membership. But Williams, originally from Cleveland and later assigned to the church in 2018, agreed to “fill in for a few Sundays.” Seven years later, he’s still making the trip from Louisville each week with his wife to lead the growing congregation.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, like any church,” Williams said. “But we’ve grown together, and we know our purpose.”
Pate and his family similarly commute each week from Louisville, simply because they believe in the mission.
“There are churches on every corner in Louisville,” Pate said. “But God put Owensboro on our hearts. We’re not here to take anything. We just want to leave the city better than we found it.”
Until their new building is complete, Evangelistic Temple will continue to hold Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11:30 a.m. each week at the Owensboro Family YMCA. Bible study is conducted via Zoom on Thursday evenings, and anyone can join by using meeting ID 631-824-1108 with password CH2ZH.
More information and updates — including upcoming outreach events and giving opportunities — are available on the church’s Facebook page under the name Evangelistic Temple, Church of God in Christ.
“We’re a small congregation, but big in heart,” Williams said. “We love people, and we love being able to serve. That’s what this is all about.”
