Pastor Archie Brice and Missionary Josephine Brice established Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in January 1953. Their first service was held in their home at 4513 McGlothen Way, Parchester Village in the city of Richmond California. In 1960, the membership grew and the Lord led Pastor Brice to move the church to a new location at 602 Chesley Avenue (Richmond, CA). One of Pastor Brice’s visions was to purchase a church facility without it being a burden upon the people of God. The Lord’s favor was upon him and he purchased a church located at 1915 - 4th Street in Richmond and moved the ministry to its new location.
Faith Temple reached out to the community -- to the less fortunate under the Pastorship of Elder Brice. The church showed love to under privileged men, women and children, restored hope, fed, housed and clothed the homeless in the area as well. Their doors were always open in the community. Faith Temple was known as a deliverance ministry where prayer, fasting and shut-ins were held regularly and the power of the Holy Spirit moved mightily upon the people of God. Pastor and Missionary (Mother) Brice housed hundreds of people in their home and blessed many families. Mother Josephine Brice went home to be with the Lord on December 12, 1999 and Pastor Archie Brice joined his wife on October 2, 2001; they both glorified God together.
January 20, 2002, Elder Donnie Featherstone was installed as the new pastor of Faith Temple COGIC along with his wife, Prophetess Shirley Featherstone, the Leading Lady. The Lord placed upon Pastor’s heart to begin a Van Ministry picking up people without transportation, and those from the Rescue Mission and shelters. Shortly thereafter, the church started an early morning service and a community feeding program. Many souls were won for the kingdom of God, lives were changed, and Faith Temple was known as being a ministry of deliverance, healing and love.
In October 2006, by the leading of the Holy Spirit the Ministry relocated to 12411 San Pablo Avenue in Richmond. The church ministered and served the community four years and grew. The first Sunday November 4, 2010, Pastor Featherstone was led by the Holy Spirit to fellowship with The New Greater Faith church under the leadership of Bishop Earl Baker. The two ministries worshiped together in harmony and love for nine months. During this transition, through much prayer and seeking the Lord’s direction for the ministry, the Lord opened another door at our current location (300 MacDonald Avenue in Richmond). The Lord not only relocated the church, but He revealed to Pastor to change the name of the church to Faith Temple Empowerment Church.