OUR HISTORY
OUR JOURNEY
In the early 1950s, a missionary by the name of Elmore Smith visited various neighborhoods seeking souls to be saved. While on this mission, many souls were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. During this time, he met Clinton Forge. Together, they conducted evangelistic revivals under a large tent. Many people attended these revivals; and, thus, many were saved.
Later, Elder Clinton Forge, with his wife, Maldoshia, had a vision to build a church in the Acipco area. He built the church with his own hands, and the church was named, "Acipco Church of God in Christ." Elder Forge later changed the name to "Elshaddai Church of God in Christ." The church burned on March 15, 1983. After having pastored for over 30 years, Elder Forge became very ill and passed away on March 31, 1983.
In 1984, Elder Isaac Coleman became pastor and rebuilt the church. Elder Coleman served faithfully, with his wife Mother Inetta Coleman, until he passed away in 1988. (Mother Inetta Coleman yet remains a faithful member.)
Elder Calvin B. Lofton became pastor after the death of Elder Coleman in 1988. Elder Lofton, then changed the name of the church to Forge Temple Church of God in Christ in honor of Elder Clinton Forge. Elder Lofton was a good pastor and he worked untiringly for the church. Elder Lofton pastored two churches at this time. After 14 years at both churches, he, along with his wife Sister Linda Lofton, were led to leave Forge Temple and become full-time pastor at his family church, McAdory Temple Church of God in Christ.
In 2002, Elder and Sister Ronald (Kimberly) Webb were appointed pastor and wife of the Forge Temple congregation. Elder Webb chose our motto, “The Church That’s Forging Ahead to Save One Soul at a Time.” Elder Webb accepted a job in Nashville, TN that made it difficult to serve as pastor of Forge Temple. He resigned in January 2005. However, he decided to commute from Nashville on 1st and 3rd Sunday’s until Bishop Meadows could secure a pastor for Forge Temple.
On August 17, 2005, Bishop O. L. Meadows appointed Elder Dr. Paul B. Ruffin pastor of the legendary Forge Temple. Dr. Ruffin and his wife, Vetrea, are committed to serving at Forge Temple in obedience to God. They continue to consecrate themselves and prepare the congregation for the harvesting of souls in the community, city, and nation.
Dr. Ruffin is determined to preach the Gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ and the Acceptable Year of the Lord. The church has grown physically and spiritually under his shepherding. God is saving the lost, bringing those who are in darkness to the light, healing the brokenhearted, delivering the captives, giving sight to the spiritually blind, setting at liberty them that are bruised, reclaiming backslidden children, and filling and refilling believers with the Holy Ghost. More than one-third of the congregation received new jobs or a promotions.
PROGRESS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP
OF THE RUFFINS
Spiritual Growth
-
On August 21, 2005, Bishop Meadows appointed Elder Ruffin Pastor of Forge Temple Church of God in Christ.
-
On October 23, 2005, Bishop Meadows installed Elder Ruffin Pastor of Forge Temple Church of God in Christ.
-
In 2007, a Radio Ministry was established on WAGG 610 AM and aired thru March 2024.
-
The Men, Women, Youth, and Evangelism Departments were officially organized.
-
Prior to COVID-19, breakfast was served each Sunday which boosted Sunday School attendance.
-
Three women were trained and recommended and licensed as Deaconess Missionary Licenses. These women were also recommended and licensed as Evangelist Missionaries.
-
One deacon was trained and ordained.
-
In 2013, Pastor Ruffin conducted studies in the Books of Revelation and Daniel (>40 attendees).
-
In 2014, the Music Department’s Sanctuary Choir produced its first CD.
-
In 2017-2018, a number of young people were filled/baptized in the Holy Ghost.
-
From 2015-2019, hosted Annual Women’s Conferences (DIVAS for Christ).
-
Church membership has increased moderately each year.
-
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, held parking lot services, which were aired live on Facebook.
-
Presently, conducts in-person and online Sunday Morning Worship Services.
-
IConducts online Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Saturday Evening Sunday School.
-
Worship services have been aired live on Facebook, since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
-
In 2020–2022, several families joined the church during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
-
April 2023, the annual women’s conferences (DIVAS for Christ) was revived.
-
In July 2024, a family of four joined the church.
Natural Growth
-
September 25, 2009 - A parcel of land was purchased for the construction of a 21st century edifice.
-
September 2011 - Demolition of existing buildings and excavation of the land were completed.
-
September 2012 – Began using the parcel of land for parking and youth activities.
-
February 8, 2015 - The kickoff of the building fund-raiser program was held.
-
May 19, 2020 - The building project was paused during the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
-
January 13, 2023 - Pastor Mary Dickerson told Pastor Ruffin that God did not want him to get in debt.
-
March 16, 2023 - Bishop Meadows stated that churches were up for sale following the Pandemic.
-
March 30, 2023 - Realtor provided a Link for churches on the market in Jefferson County.
-
June 10, 2023 - A trustee informed Pastor Ruffin that the Impact Church in Adamsville was for sale.
-
June 25, 2023 - The trustees were given a guided tour of the Impact Church in Adamsville.
-
August 6, 2023 - The trustees were given a Second Tour of the Impact Church in Adamsville.
-
August 13, 2023 - The members agreed to purchase the new property in a Special Business Meeting.
-
September 24, 2023 - The trustees and some members took a final walk-through before the Closing
-
September 27, 2023 - Pastor was diagnosed with prostate cancer
-
September 28, 2023 - The pastor and trustees closed on the new property.
-
September 29, 2023 - Phase 1 Renovations were initiated.
-
September 14, 2024 - Phase 1 Renovations were completed.
-
September 15, 2024 - Grand Opening and Dedication of Pillar of Truth Ministries COGIC.
-
December 5, 2024 - Closed the Sale on Parcel of Land Across from Forge Temple.
-
January - August, 2025, ~$50,000.00 were raised during Building Fund Rallies.
-
April 30, 2025 - Phase 2 Renovations were initiated.
-
September 20, 2025 - Phase 2 Renovations is close to completion.