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In the
early 1970's a small group of saints were meeting and holding
services in a home in Long Beach, Ca. This group of saint
included Dwight Cannon and his wife, Mary, Charles Johnson
and his wife Pam, David Hawkins and his wife, Mary and a young
sister named Angie.
Realizing
they were the beginning of a church, they discussed what name
it should have. Many names were suggested. It was the deacons
who decided that the church should be called Christ Temple.
This was done long before Elder Pruette ever met the group
of worshippers.
Bishop
John Cannon, of the "Church of our Lord Jesus Christ", and
apostolic organization, was overseer of churches in the San
Diego area. He felt inspired of God to seek out someone to
oversee the small group of saints in Long Beach. He felt a
church should be established.
Elder
Pruette Alexander's name was one of those suggested. After
conferring with the Bishop, and upon remembering the words
the Lord had spoken to him, Elder Pruette, reluctantly, but
joyfully, agreed to pastor the saints in Long Beach, California.
The year was 1975.
A
New Pastor and A New Name
In early
October of 1995, Pastor Pruette Alexander experienced a stroke.
He was unable to continue as pastor. Assistant Pastor Irma
Sykes sought the council of Bishop Henry B. Alexander. The
purpose was to seek the mind of God as to who he wanted to
pastor the church. Bishop Alex conferred with the "Elders
Council" of the Shield of Faith, Pomona church. They "cast
lots" (Acts 1:26) and reached a consensus that "Senior Elder",
Arling Alexander was the one to pastor the Long Beach Church.
On Oct.
18, 1995, Bishop Henry Alexander met with the Christ Temple
membership. He conveyed to us his vision. He said that there
was an anointing present and that God was getting ready to
do something special at 5350 N. Long Beach Blvd. He stated
that God wanted to build a Youth church here and that we should
go into a "recruiting frame." Our motto was to be: "Come
to our church and join us as we do a great work for God."
| Bishop
Alexander preached from Matt. 16:17-18. |
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And
Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon
Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also
unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will
build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it. |
Bishop
further stated that Arling Alexander was the man God had "separated"
for the work. (Acts 13:2,3) We, as the membership, accepted
that recommendation as the will of God.
Minister
Arling Alexander wrestled with the idea of leaving a well
established church and overseeing a small work in Long Beach.
As he prayed and sought the will of God concerning the position,
God spoke to him and said, "I'll go with you." That was his
confirmation.
On Oct.
25, 1995, Minister Arling Alexander was installed as pastor
of Christ Temple along with his wife, Minister Bobbie Alexander.
Along with them came their daughters, Angela, Alissia, and
Arlene Alexander, who became supporting members of the church.
The church
name was later changed to Shield of Faith Christian Center,
Long Beach, as we became affiliated with the Shield of Faith
Corporate Body of Churches.
Under
Pastor Arling Alexander's administration, the church has experienced
rapid growth. The Lord continues to established this church
by adding to it "such as should be saved."
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