76 years of being the Church.

Humble beginnings.

Faith Temple has humble beginnings. Established in 1948 in Hayti, Missouri under the direction of Pastor Dock Wright and Bishop Columbus Williams, this church first began as a brush harbor. Prior to the building of the brush harbor, Elder and Evangelist Wright's home served as the first church meeting place. At that time, the church was known as Hayti Heights Church Of God In Christ.

This church has a rich history of Holy Ghost filled men of God leading the sheep of this congregation.

A new shepherd called.

In 1953, Elder King James Gillespie was installed to the pastorate of the church after the home going of Elder Dock Wright. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow — both spiritually and naturally.

"We've Come This Far By Faith."

In 1965, Elder John Lofton was appointed pastor of the church after Pastor Gillespie was called home for his eternal reward. Pastor Lofton envisioned a new sanctuary. Though in 1968, in the natural, the task of building a new place of worship seemed implausible due to the lack of finances, Pastor Lofton was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The name of the church was changed from Hayti Heights COGIC to Faith Temple, and the congregation adopted a new theme song that carries us still: "We've Come This Far By Faith."

In 1993, due to health reasons, Elder Lofton retired from the pastorate of Faith Temple.

The Sanders legacy begins.

As directed by the late Bishop W. Wesley Sanders, Administrative Assistant Courtney Sanders, Sr. was given the charge to lead the people of Faith Temple. After a short time at Faith Temple, Pastor Sanders remodeled the church and constructed a multi-purpose hall.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Sanders, the present sanctuary — the Deacon John Ethan Mack Sanctuary — was built and dedicated in September 2001.

The mantle passes.

After our beloved Administrative Assistant Courtney Sanders, Sr. took his final assignment to be with the Lord, the mantle was passed to Elder Courtney Sanders Jr. Pastor Sanders "Jr." was installed and appointed in April 2014 by General Board Member Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten.

Running with the vision.

Fulfilling the dream of his father, Pastor Sanders Jr. is running with the vision. Almost complete is the Steps of Life Center — his father's dream. This center will further enable FTC to minister to the total man, spiritually and naturally.

Striving to keep this legacy alive, Pastor Sanders sees this center as the nucleus for all ministries targeting the growing needs, demands, and concerns of our community and beyond. Thus we have our all-encompassing theme:

"Extending a helping hand to a dying world."

Pray as we continue to stay in the will of God and catch hold to the vision given to the man of God. All things are possible if we only believe.