Glorious Bethlehem Temple has a rich history in the apostolic Jacksonville community. Many apostolic churches in Jacksonville were birthed from Glorious Bethlehem Temple. With the church being over sixty years old and one of the original churches of the Florida State Council, it has become a pillar of the community.

 

 

In 1945, Mother Minnie J. Clark began steps toward starting a church and after purchasing the property at 2210 Wister Street, she named the church Glorious Church of the Truth and Righteous Government. Years later the church would merge with Bethlehem Temple and rename the church Glorious Bethlehem Temple led by Elder Clarence Lewis.  

 

 

In 1952, the office of pastor was filled by Evangelist Leola Leeks and she placed the church into the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc. She remained pastor until 1968 where she then handed it over to Pastor Georgia Butler who was formally installed in 1969 by Bishop Dr. Earl Parchia. In 1997, Pastor Butler appointed Elder Donald Richardson assistant pastor where he served until 2009. In 2009, Elder Richardson was installed as pastor and his wife First Lady Sheila Richardson became the first, first lady in the history of the church.

 

 

In 2010, the Florida Department of Transportation released a new plan to expand the highway meaning the church would have to move from its present location. After several years things came to a settlement and the state granted the church adequate funds to move to a new location and build a new church. October 2017, Glorious Bethlehem Temple opened the doors of its new location 2051 Ashland Street. Under the leadership of Pastor Richardson (now District Elder) and First lady Sheila Richardson being led by God, the church has been given a great vision for what God can and will do for the ministry.