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| Supt. Theodore Harris |
In 1945 Elder Theodore R. Harris, while seeking to submit himself to God’s divine will, was endowed with a vision to start a work for the Lord. Elder Harris accepted God’s plan and at a great sacrifice proceeded to purchase a partially completed structure that had been vacated by the Pilgrim Holiness Church. A very small church was set up, members being only the pastor and his wife, Missionary Erma I. Harris. The ministry was named the Elm Park Church of God in Christ.
On January 1, 1946, the pastor and his wife launched this small mission with a three day revival. The Lord added His approval by healing many who were sick, and adding to the church daily “such as should be saved,” according to the scriptures—Acts 2:47. Elder Harris met with great success in the following years through continuous prayer and fasting.
In April, 1957 the pastor had a desire to build a sanctuary, as this (Elm Park Church of God in Christ) was only a basement. After continuous striving, the Lord heard the earnest prayers of the saints and the wheels of progress began turning. God sent a young gifted building contractor by the name of Clifton Black to the ministry. The pastor would later appoint Brother Clifton Black as Supervisor of Construction and General Contractor.
In 1959, the church was completed and renamed Harris Temple Church of God in Christ.In 1974, the congregation began construction on another project, this time to expand the sanctuary to accommodate their growing congregation. The addition was completed in 1975 and renamed the New Harris Temple Church of God in Christ.
On Friday, July 25, 1980, Supt. T. R. Harris departed this life and was succeeded by his grandson, Elder Walter E. Bogan Sr. Pastor Bogan continued in the steps of his grandfather through his dynamic prayer ministry and his gospel teaching.
