THE HISTORY OF FAITH TEMPLE

Throughout history, God has chosen leaders to guide His people. When He sought an anointed man after His own heart to establish His church in Independence, He chose Timothy Bernard Richardson. Much like Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, Elder Richardson experienced a divine epiphany on December 15, 1973, at precisely 2:00 PM, while driving past the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge. In that sacred moment, he answered God’s call to the ministry.

As God began preparing him for leadership, Elder Richardson faithfully served under Superintendent W. L. Wilbon of Roseland Church of God in Christ in Roseland, Louisiana. Following Superintendent Wilbon’s passing in the summer of 1980, he continued serving under Superintendent Alonzo Richardson, walking steadfastly in the steps ordered by God.

Walking alongside him from the very beginning was Cynthia Richardson, his wife, devoted helpmeet, and trusted partner in ministry. For 42 years, she stood faithfully by his side, supporting the vision God placed within him, praying fervently. Together, they exemplified unity in marriage and ministry, laying a firm spiritual foundation for what would become Faith Temple Ministries Church of God in Christ (FTMCOGIC).

In June 1980, Minister Richardson conducted a citywide revival at the Amite Community Center in Amite, Louisiana. During this powerful outpouring of God’s Spirit, six souls were saved, later becoming the charter members of Faith Temple Ministries: Janice Craig, Linda Felder, Patricia Jennings, Laura Mae Johnson, Michael Knighten, and Betty Sylve. These members were placed under watch care with Pastor Daniel Muse of Community Church of God in Christ.

On Tuesday, September 23, 1980, the first official service of Faith Temple Ministries was held in the home of Lola and Major Bickham in Independence. Present were Pastor Timothy B. Richardson and his wife Cynthia, along with a growing body of believers who would become the early pillars of the ministry. Services soon alternated between the homes of Henrietta Hancock and Mother Lola Bickham, as the congregation steadily increased.

With a unique calling, uncommon boldness, and a mandate to “Lift Jesus Up,” Elder Richardson cried aloud and spared not. As word spread throughout the community and surrounding areas, more souls were saved and added to the church. Growth was so rapid that services soon moved from private homes to the Masonic Hall at 153 Kemp Street, giving birth to what became famously known as “The Kemp Street Experience.” The anointed singing, teaching, and preaching were so powerful that the building routinely overflowed, with worshippers seated in the foyer and on the porch. Lives were changed, marriages were restored, and the presence of God was undeniable.

Following repeated promptings from the Lord, FTMCOGIC was incorporated on March 23, 1986, and Elder Richardson entered full-time ministry, with Cynthia Richardson continuing faithfully as his partner in vision and service. From its inception, the ministry was founded on faith and established upon firm biblical principles.

In obedience to God’s direction, Elder Richardson purchased 17.47 acres of land on March 27, 1986, located along I-55 at Highway 40 in Independence. Though the land was fully paid off by 1992, the congregation continued worshiping at the Masonic Hall as they awaited further instruction from the Lord. On December 11, 1999, in a moment of divine celebration, ground was broken for the new sanctuary. Working alongside Minister Larry Downs, Sr., architectural plans were drawn, and construction began in May 2002.

On December 11, 2005, before more than 1,500 members and guests, the sanctuary at 11605 Fontana Lane, Independence, Louisiana, was dedicated to the glory of God. Yet this was only the beginning. Additional land acquisitions followed in 2006 and 2009, further expanding the ministry’s footprint.

God also instructed Elder Richardson to expand beyond Tangipahoa Parish. On March 24, 2010, Faith Temple Ministries of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was birthed in a Comfort Suites meeting room with 25 faithful believers present. Subsequently, on December 11, 2011, Faith Temple Baton Rouge held its first service at 2868 Lorraine Street. The land and building were purchased on January 14, 2015, and later paid in full.

For more than 40 years, Elder Timothy Bernard Richardson preached and taught with power, passion, and unwavering obedience. Even in sickness, he never stopped laboring for the Kingdom...he transitioned on the battlefield. Throughout it all, Cynthia Richardson remained steadfast, a devoted wife, ministry partner, intercessor, and servant of God, helping to carry the weight of the vision with grace and strength.

We are eternally grateful for his obedience, sacrifice, leadership, and love, and for her unwavering devotion and faithfulness to this date. 

To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

Sleep on, Elder Richardson. We will see you in glory.