Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church originated in 1920 under the guidance of Sister Melvina Nelson and Brother Armstrong on Third St. in the City of Cincinnati. This was the first location of the church. After a few years on Third St, we moved to Longworth St. and from there to Fifth and Stone St. It was at Fifth and Stone St. that Elder Cheatum conducted revival services for us and later became our pastor.
Sometimes later we moved to George St. Elder Akers our overseer, placed Elder Neal as our pastor. We moved again to West Fifth St. Our pastor at this location was Elder Peppers. We remained there for a few years.
In later years, other changes were made, and we moved again to about three different places on Fifth St. Elder Akers, our overseer, placed Elder Allen from Dayton Ohio as our pastor.
Later, Elder Allen returned to Dayton and Sister Gainell Pope was placed in charge. After a few years, Sister Pope said the Lord called her to start work in Walnut Hills. Elder Akers then placed Elder Clark as our pastor. We moved to West Court St.
By this time, the saints were discouraged with the many changes they had endured, and a meeting was called. Elder Akers informed us in this meeting that Elder Allen would return to Zion, and he did. He then helped us to move to Carlisle and Mound St. After a few years of struggling and suffering, Elder Allen encouraged the saints to but the building. HE labored and suffered along with the saints until this was accomplished, and for many years afterward until the Lord called him from labor to reward.
After the passing of Elder Allen, Elder Elzie Young was in charge for a short period of time. Elder Owen Carter was also our pastor for a short period of time. On February 7. 1950, Bishop Clark placed Elder Jasper J. Phillips over the church as pastor. God blessed Zion Temple to purchase ground at 3041 GIlber Ave. to build a larger church for the membership that had increased during the past seven years.
On March 10, 1957, we had the groundbreaking and after waiting for more than a year, on July 3,1958, the foundation for the building was begun. The cornerstone was laid on August 24,1958. The grand opening services were held on June 21, 1959, assisted by Bishop Ralph Bass.
On July 16, 1973, the Zion Temple family moved from it's former church located at 3041 Gilbert Avenue to The Issac M. Wise (Jewish) Center located at 3771 Reading Rd. This move was necessary in order to accommodate our steadily growing congregation, and it enabled us to acquire a larger sanctuary and additional classrooms for the Christian Education Department where God's people would be thoroughly furnished unto God's works.
The historic Isaac M, Wise Center is the present home for the Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church family. The property takes up a full city block. The sanctuary boasts authentic smoked stained-glass windows depicting the Feast of the Passover and special celebrations of the Hebrew Nation. The building is made of Buff stones imported from the "Old Country" and includes approximately fifty rooms made up of classrooms, restrooms, offices and a men's and women's lounge. There is also a full kitchen and dining area, spacious parking and an elevator. The mortgage was burned in September 1981 and the replacement costs of this facility was estimated to exceed three million dollars in 1993.
Click the buttons below to learn more about Bishop Jasper and Evangelist Phillips and more about our building's Jewish History.
