History
FAITH TEMPLE CHURCH
Faith Temple Church was established as a church in 1972. This growing ministry started as a result of a women's prayer group in Hutch, KY. A group of women were meeting in the living room of Sister Ruby Short and out of their prayer time, a vision came for a church “on the creek.” As the vision caught on, the prayer meeting grew into a small gathering of believers anticipating the Lord to do great things. It wasn't long until this group of believers moved to a small garage located on the Short's property where weekly meetings ushered in mighty moves of God's Spirit which led the group to what is commonly referred to as "The Old Faith Temple.” It was there this faithful group of believers kept believing God for more souls which led to an addition to accommodate the crowds. From the garage, a new Sanctuary was built. After nearly 20 years, a solid base of believers was established through Spirit led teaching, worship, and discipleship at the Old Faith Temple. In 1999, with increasing capacity crowds, the congregation of Faith Temple moved its current main campus location to U.S. HWY 25E. It was here God sovereignly positioned Faith Temple Church and poised it in a strategic location where outreach could be expanded throughout the entire community. In a short 5 years, Faith Temple was forced to enter into another expansion to accommodate its growing children's and youth programs. Once again, in January 2008, Faith Temple added a third Sunday Service at 8:00 AM to accommodate the steady, continual growth. Also, in 2008, Faith Temple Church was given the former Abundant Life Fellowship Church on Exeter Avenue in Middlesboro, KY which was formerly known as Yeary's Chapel. Through this merger, the Abundant Life Church is now a ministry of Faith Temple Church and is known as the Abundant Life Campus. Faith Temple is now offering two services a week at this new campus and is offering 6 services a week between the two locations.
FAITH TEMPLE'S DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
Abundant Life Fellowship Church, according to early Church records, began around 1900 as the American Christian Church. The congregation met for Services in an old abandoned boarding house, called The Red House, located near the railroad track on South 35th Street. The facility had previously been used by railroad workers and workers from the nearby Boston Gun Works.
In 1906, William E. “Uncle Bill” Yeary, sold his only horse for $50.00 and purchased land at 35th and Exeter for a new sanctuary. The members donated time, materials, and labor to build the Church. The new facility was completed on November 25th, 1909. The Church name, at that time, became Yeary’s Chapel Church. When the Pentecostal revivals reached this area, the congregation became adherents of the Pentecostal teachings and the Church was called Yeary’s Chapel Pentecostal Church.
In 1977, additional property was purchased as well as a parsonage. In 1981, a new Church facility was constructed on the new property and the building was dedicated to the Lord at its completion in 1982. The name of the Church was then changed to Abundant Life Fellowship Church. In 1989, the older Church facilities were raised and a new Fellowship Hall and Gymnasium were built in the location of the old Church. The Fellowship Hall and Gymnasium were completed by 1992.
On September 7th, 2008, Abundant Life Fellowship took yet another step of faith by merging with Faith Temple Church of Middlesboro, KY. The Abundant Life Fellowship Church is now a ministry of Faith Temple Church and is referred to as the Downtown Campus. Weekly services are held, missions are supported, discipleship is continuing and God has begun a new chapter for the Downtown Campus.
