Our Story

In 1947, God imparted to The Most Reverend Elizabeth Rhodes a divine vision of a church being built from the ground up. At first, she believed this revelation was for her pastor, the late Bishop Walter Warner. However, when she shared her dream with him, Bishop Warner discerned that it was not his church she had seen, but rather that God was preparing her for her own ministry.

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Obedient to the will of God, on Sunday, October 19, 1952, +E. Rhodes began a Sunday School in the basement of her home at 1030 N. Bentalou Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Present that day were five little girls—her daughters Mazarene, Janice, and Roberta Rhodes, along with Doris and Helen McClain. Although her dear friend Mother Maude McClain was too ill to attend that inaugural gathering, she soon joined the ministry, as did Deacon Robert Rhodes (the first gentleman), Deacon James McClain, and Brother Edward and Sister Mozen Rhodes.

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As the Sunday School continued to grow, it soon became the size of a full church. Without a permanent place to worship, Mother Rhodes faithfully led part-time services in fellowship with other congregations. On December 1, 1955, the ministry was officially incorporated as Holy Temple Pentecostal Church, Inc., a name we continue to honor today.

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In 1956, God blessed the congregation with its first building at 861 W. Franklin Street, a small but Spirit-filled place affectionately called “A Filling Station” by Pastor Rhodes.

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Then, in the spring of 1959, ground was broken for a new church at our present location, 574 W. Presstman Street. Stepping out on faith, +E. Rhodes began construction with only $1,200.00. Miraculously, the funds never ran out, and the entire project was completed debt-free. Elder Jannis Bailey served as the general contractor, assisted by Pastor Rhodes, Deacon Robert Rhodes, Deacon James Washington, and Trustee Edward Rhodes, along with volunteers from neighboring churches. Pastor Rhodes herself labored tirelessly on the building, taking on roles many women of her time would never have attempted. Deacon Arthur Lofton, a master carpenter, completed the roof, and the building was finished successfully.

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On Sunday, November 29, 1959, the congregation triumphantly marched into the new sanctuary to hold its first service. From that moment forward, God’s blessings overflowed. The church grew and thrived, and many souls were saved and healed under Pastor Rhodes’ anointed ministry.

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In 1976, the Lord led Pastor Rhodes to appoint her youngest daughter, Rev. Roberta Gasque, as Assistant Pastor. Upon Pastor Rhodes’ passing in 1978, Rev. Gasque succeeded her as Pastor and Overseer of Holy Temple Pentecostal Church, Inc. & Churches. She served faithfully for 44 years, guiding the ministry with wisdom, grace, and steadfast love.

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In 2022, Overseer Gasque announced her retirement and appointed Pastor Gary Rivers as her successor. He served as Interim Pastor throughout 2023, during which time Overseer Gasque was consecrated as Bishop and rebranded the organization as Elevation Christian Network.

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In 2024, Pastor Gary Rivers was officially installed as Senior Pastor and appointed as Overseer. Under his leadership, the ministry has continued to flourish. He later appointed Elder Regina Davis as Co-Pastor, further strengthening the leadership team. Under Overseer Rivers’ teaching, the church has embraced the Biblical Feast Days—Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles—in accordance with Scripture.

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Though Overseer Rivers continues to lead the congregation in deeper revelation and truth, he remains ever mindful of the firm foundation laid by those who came before him.