History
GCT Church History
The foundational beginning of Greater Christ Temple was inspired by the scripture from Acts 26:22—"Having therefore obtained the help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to the small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” Inspired by the Lord and answering the call, Dr. Willie B Mitchell, Sr. founded the Greater Christ Temple Holiness church on May 29, 1965. This was the same day the slaves were freed, but one hundred years earlier. The first meeting of the church was held the 1st Sunday in June 1965 at a house on Buna Vista Ave, SE Atlanta, the home of Brother and Sister Fitzpatrick with only nine members—Elder and Sister Fitzpatrick, Elder and Sister John D. Young, Elder and Sister James Satcher, Mother Maude Brown, and Dr. and Sister Willie B. Mitchell. Church services continued in their home for the next two years. From 1967 to 1975, Christ Temple was erected later becoming, Greater Christ Temple at 914 Cherokee Ave. Dr. Mitchell was married to the beautiful First Lady Mildred Coleman Mitchell, who without her support and her lovely and unselfish spirit, this opportunity to establish a house of faith may not have come to past.
April 1976, the congregation entered the new edifice for Greater Christ Temple, the Holy Ghost Headquarters. It was later expanded in 1982 from two rows of 12 pews to two rows of 24 pews (that’s a capacity from 300 to 500), the pulpit, baptismal pool, and pastor’s office. In 1985, only nine years, the mortgage for this establishment was burned where Bishop David L. Ellis officiated the grand celebration. Later, the property located behind the church was purchased with the existing edifice being dedicated and established as the W. B. Mitchell Conference Center. The mortgage for this purchase was burned one year after purchase with Bishop George Austin officiating the Mortgage Burning Celebration.
Under the leadership of the founder, Dr. Willie B. Mitchell, Sr., the church continued to grow as he was elevated to District Elder in 1975 and served as an Evangelist for the Georgia State Council. Dr. Mitchell also served as the President of the Georgia State Council Brotherhood and was named Outstanding Pastor in the National Assemblies during the 1978 & 1979. From 1990 to 1992, he served as the Chairman of the Georgia State Council. In 1993, he was elevated to Suffragan Bishop. In 1985, Bishop George Austin presented the pastor the Doctor of Theology Degree that was bestowed upon him by Tuskegee Institute University.
Being a visionary and an anointed and powerful teacher, Dr. Mitchell knew that one day he would have to pass the mantle forward. From the vineyard, he selected his son, Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, Sr. with confidence in his choice. After the passing of our beloved pastor in 2009, the maantel was officially handed to the chosen vessel, Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, to continue the journey of winning souls for the kingdom of God as the Pastor of Greater Christ Temple. Pastor Dennis Mitchell now serves as District Elder and Vice Chairman for the Georgia State Council. He too has served in several capacities for the Georgia State Council. His vision is to continue the legacy by providing leadership and leading souls to be Healed, Set Free, and Delivered. His mission is to see his vision come to pass through teaching, preaching, and leading people to Christ in order for them to know their place in the righteousness of God. He is married to Lady Deborah Lark Mitchell who also supports his ministry and offers her services in the spirit of excellence and kindness for the church family.
The Greater Christ Temple Church Family, has the highest respect and confidence in our awesome Pastor and leader, District Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, Sr., who continues to strive in leading us forward as in the day of Joshua! Keeping the VISION ALIVE!
Today, we are proud to celebrate 54 years of legacy and service to God! Down through the years, God has truly been good to us!
Under the leadership of the founder, Dr. Willie B. Mitchell, Sr., the church continued to grow as he was elevated to District Elder in 1975 and served as an Evangelist for the Georgia State Council. Dr. Mitchell also served as the President of the Georgia State Council Brotherhood and was named Outstanding Pastor in the National Assemblies during the 1978 & 1979. From 1990 to 1992, he served as the Chairman of the Georgia State Council. In 1993, he was elevated to Suffragan Bishop. In 1985, Bishop George Austin presented the pastor the Doctor of Theology Degree that was bestowed upon him by Tuskegee Institute University.
Being a visionary and an anointed and powerful teacher, Dr. Mitchell knew that one day he would have to pass the mantle forward. From the vineyard, he selected his son, Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, Sr. with confidence in his choice. After the passing of our beloved pastor in 2009, the maantel was officially handed to the chosen vessel, Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, to continue the journey of winning souls for the kingdom of God as the Pastor of Greater Christ Temple. Pastor Dennis Mitchell now serves as District Elder and Vice Chairman for the Georgia State Council. He too has served in several capacities for the Georgia State Council. His vision is to continue the legacy by providing leadership and leading souls to be Healed, Set Free, and Delivered. His mission is to see his vision come to pass through teaching, preaching, and leading people to Christ in order for them to know their place in the righteousness of God. He is married to Lady Deborah Lark Mitchell who also supports his ministry and offers her services in the spirit of excellence and kindness for the church family.
The Greater Christ Temple Church Family, has the highest respect and confidence in our awesome Pastor and leader, District Elder Dennis Von Mitchell, Sr., who continues to strive in leading us forward as in the day of Joshua! Keeping the VISION ALIVE!
Today, we are proud to celebrate 54 years of legacy and service to God! Down through the years, God has truly been good to us!