For more than 70 years, our ministry has stood as a pillar of faith in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded on prayer, holiness, and a deep commitment to serving the community, the church has continued to grow and thrive across generations. Under the leadership of three dedicated pastors, each building on the foundation of the last, our fellowship has remained strong, Spirit-filled, and steadfast. 

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

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Responding in obedience to God’s will, +E. Rhodes launched a Sunday School on Sunday, October 19, 1952, in the basement of her home at 1030 N. Bentalou Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Present at this first gathering were five young girls—her daughters Mazarene, Janice, and Roberta Rhodes, along with Doris and Helen McClain. Though her dear friend Mother Maude McClain was too ill to attend that inaugural session, she soon joined the ministry, alongside Deacon Robert Rhodes, Deacon James McClain, and Brother Edward and Sister Mozen Rhodes.

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As the Sunday School grew, it quickly expanded to the size of a full congregation. Without a permanent place to worship, Mother Rhodes faithfully led part-time services in fellowship with other local churches. On December 1, 1955, the ministry was formally incorporated as Holy Temple Pentecostal Church, Inc., a name that continues to be honored today. In 1956, God blessed the congregation with its first building at 861 W. Franklin Street, a small but Spirit-filled space affectionately called “A Filling Station” by Pastor Rhodes.

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By the spring of 1959, ground was broken for a new church at the present location, 574 W. Presstman Street. Stepping out in faith with only $1,200, +E. Rhodes oversaw the construction of the new sanctuary. Remarkably, the funds never ran out, and the project was completed entirely debt-free. Elder Jannis Bailey served as general contractor, assisted by Pastor Rhodes, Deacon Robert Rhodes, Deacon James Washington, Trustee Edward Rhodes, and volunteers from neighboring churches. Pastor Rhodes herself labored tirelessly, undertaking roles uncommon for women of her time. Master carpenter Deacon Arthur Lofton completed the roof, and the building was successfully finished.

On Sunday, November 29, 1959, the congregation joyfully entered the new sanctuary for its first service. From that day forward, God’s blessings flowed abundantly. Under Pastor Rhodes’ anointed ministry, the church grew, thriving spiritually as many souls were saved and healed.

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

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

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Pastor Gary Rivers was officially installed as Senior Pastor and Overseer in 2024. Under his leadership, the ministry continues to flourish, strengthened further by the appointment of Elder Regina Davis as Co-Pastor. Guided by Overseer Rivers’ teaching, the church now embraces the Sabbath and Biblical Feast Days—Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles—in accordance with Scripture. While Overseer Rivers leads the congregation into deeper revelation and truth, he remains ever mindful of the strong foundation laid by those who came before him.