The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist)

The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) is a historic landmark and should be preserved. The church was built in 1868 – 1871 and is the only structure in Baltimore designed by Thomas U. Walter, architect of the Dome and the House and Senate wings of the United States Capitol, and a founder of the American Institute of Architects.

Declared one of the 13 landmark buildings in Baltimore City , the Temple 's majestic Gothic structure and its spite does much to add attractiveness and historic value to the neighborhood. The building is 124 years old. As an integral part of the Baltimore City community, the Temple has provided an array of services through its Inner City Ministry program. The doors of the Temple have been opened to the sorrowful; thousands of meals have been served to the hungry, clothing has been given to the needy, the homeless have been assisted in finding shelter, visitations have been made to hospitals and jails.

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM…

Rev. William W. Payne, led by the Holy Spirit on June 20, 1970 , announced his intent to resign from a congregation of twenty-three years to inaugurate a ministry to show spiritual and social concern for the rejected and neglected of the Inner City. In this “Impossible Dream” Pastor Payne envisioned a ministry in which the hungry would be fed, the naked would be clothed, the homeless would be sheltered, and alcoholics and the drug addicts would be served and loved.

Several members of the former congregation expressed their desire to share this ministry of love and concern, and met with the pastor, pledge their support in the pursuit of this “Impossible Dream” in a meeting in the home of Pastor William Payne.

A temporary place of worship was secured by Mrs. Elizabeth Logan, which became known as the Upper Room, at 745 W. Baltimore Street . At a meeting held on September 29, 1970 , Pastor Payne suggested, and it was agreed, that the name of the congregation would be The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist). The congregation suggested that the pastor would be the Rev. William W. Payne. It was also stated at this meeting that strong emphasis would be placed on WORSHIP, STUDY, SOUL WINNING, TITHING, AND GIVING SERVICE TO THOSE IN NEED. All members in this ministry were urged to enroll in Sunday School.

The Pastor stated that a part of this dream was a settlement house. The settlement house was to be called “A House of Hope” where all people could come. The House would be a separate entity from the church. Mrs. Zadie Simon proceeded to look for a place to begin the clothing distribution. She was instrumental in securing the vacant Summers Norwood Florist Shop, where Mr. Carl Norwood, a Deacon at Faith Baptist Church , donated the florist shop for the clothing ministry free of charge.

In the meantime, worship services continued at the Old University Hall. The first officers were: (Deacons) Mr. William Boyd, Mr. Clifton White, Mr. David Rather, Mr. Royster Gant, Mr. William Taylor, Mr. Reginald Trusty, and Mr. William Coleman; (Trustees) Mr. George D. Brown, Mr. Felix Hughey, Mr. Elmore Bowler, Mr. Samuel Washington, Mr. Walter McCanrs, Mr. Viller Brown, Mr. Herman C. Johnson, and Mr. Jim Ivey.

THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE…

After much time, energy, and prayer, the impossible became possible. The Lord touched not only the hearts of this small fellowship, but people from all walks of life who literally poured money into this new venture and within ninety days more than $30,000 was raised.

“The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist)” was incorporated. The corporation included: Rev. William W. Payne, President; William H. Boyd, Secretary; Walter B. McCants, Treasurer; David Rather, Director; Royster Gant, Director. The newly formed congregation was duly chartered and incorporated as a body corporate under the laws of the State of Maryland .

On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1970 , the congregation of The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) made its triumphant entry into its present house of worship at Eutaw Place and Dolphin Street . Upon the invitation to Christian discipleship, more than 50 persons came forth. Within a few months, the Sunday School had an enrollment of 350 and the Sunday worship service averaged 700. The House of Hope at 1900 Eutaw Place was purchased from the Mitchell Funeral Home. The House of Hope relocated at 20 th and Wolfe Streets on July 11, 1993.

THE DREAM CONTINUES (1982-1988)

A restoration and Planning Cooperation was formed in 1983 to meet the requirements of the State. The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) is a historical landmark and the church was blessed materially with a matching fund grant from the State of Maryland of $100,000 for the restoration of the exterior of the building.

On March 15, 1983 , due to failing health, our Pastor and Founder of the “Impossible Dream” rendered his resignation as Pastor. In this meeting, requested by Reverend William W. Payne, he became Pastor Emeritus; and, on June 26, 1983 , a tribute was given in his honor.

On November 24, 1984 , a Pulpit Committee was selected to seek out a suitable pastor to be presented to the City Temple congregation.

THY WILL BE DONE…

In a duly called Churchwide Meeting, September 10,1985 , Reverend Grady A. Yeargin Jr. was unanimously elected as Pastor of The City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist). He was officially installed on January 20, 1986 at 5:00 PM. Reverend Grady A. Yeargin came to City Temple with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and experience of nine years in the Ministry.

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY IN 1987 AND 1988

The restoration and Planning Committee completed the restoration of the exterior of City Temple in November, 1987under the leadership of Pastor Grady A. Yeargin.

The Building Committee, the B.U.I.L.D Action Team and the Cultural and Fine Arts Committee are part of the continuing dream. In addition, the Board of Christian Education and Scholarship Committees were developed by Pastor Grady A. Yeargin, Jr., in January 1988. Since then, additions include the AIDS Ministry and Dance Ministry.

We move on in FAITH as WE CONTINUE TO DO HIS WILL!