Greater Joy Temple Church of God In Christ (COGIC) was established in 1949. Elder Ortho Williams and his wife Sister Anna, along with Evangelist Gertrude Kelly of the West End COGIC answered the Lord’s call to this mission. The first member, Sister Velma Hunt, was soon added to the fold.
After purchasing the present lot on Laverne Street, the mesquite trees and bushes were cleared and a tent put up by the leading of the Lord. Later, a one-room barrack was purchased from Kelly AFB, where the pastor was employed. Worship services were held in this barrack until Elder Williams was able to build a new edifice.
The Church grew in membership and Elder Williams served the Lord faithfully until January 1963, when he was stricken with a heart attack. Rushed from service at Joy Temple, the founder and Pastor later expired.
Shortly thereafter, Elder Paul Roberson was appointed to Pastor the flock. He was a diligent worker and inspired the church to new heights during his brief pastorate. Following his untimely death in November 1966, Elder R. T. Iglehart accepted the appointment to the church.
Under Elder Iglehart’s direction the congregation continued to grow. Emphasis was geared toward soul winning, salvation and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Several years later, he renovated the original building. In 1981, he challenged the church with a vision of a five-year building fund drive to erect a new edifice. In March 1985, the church dedicated the new sanctuary. Pastor Iglehart and his wife, Sister Billie Dove served faithfully until his passing in October 1990.
In January 1991, Pastor Duane Hammons and Sister Melonie (Tina) Hammons assumed leadership of the Alpha Joy Temple Church Family. With high goals and expectations for the church, including a Christian-based childcare facility, Pastor and Missionary Hammons served until July 2002.
In November 2002, Pastor Edward E. Kemper was appointed to serve the flock and renamed the church to Greater Joy Temple COGIC. Although a challenge lay ahead, Pastor and Sister Kemper accepted with Godly enthusiasm. Under his leadership, the congregation paid off the existing mortgage and purchased the lot next to the church. Pastor and Sister Kemper enhanced God’s house and were powerful leaders of the flock until 2010.
In August 2010, Pastor Dewey C. Johnson was appointed by Bishop S.E. Iglehart to become the leader of Greater Joy Temple. Pastor Johnson was ordained in 2001 and became an ordained elder in the Texas Southwest Jurisdiction. In the short time he has served at Greater Joy, he has formed his Board of Trustees, continues to increase the overall membership, and completed Phase I renovations (including renovation what is now the Fellowship Hall and church offices). Phase II renovations are in the planning stage which will include the paving/fencing of our parking lots and additional renovation to our inside facilities.