Faith Temple Community Church of God In Christ sits at 765 Harper Street in Elmira, New York, where a Pentecostal congregation in the Church of God in Christ tradition gathers around a clear calling: "To equip believers for ministry through Worship, the Word, Fellowship and Outreach; to lead unbelievers to Christ." The church is pastored by Pastor Kale Mann and carries forward the legacy of the late Pastor Leo Hughey, whose ministry is honored through the Golden Leaf Legacy Campaign.
Sunday Worship and the Praise Team
The main worship service begins at 11 AM on Sunday mornings, and the sanctuary fills again at 6 PM for an evening gathering. Music is led by the Faith Temple Praise Team, and the Pentecostal roots of COGIC shape a worship style centered on praise, prayer and preaching. Communion is observed as part of the church's regular rhythm, captured in photographs from recent Easter services.
A Week of Prayer
The rhythm extends well beyond Sunday morning. Noon Prayer runs every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 12 PM to 1 PM, available by phone for members who cannot be in the building (call 605-475-2875, access code 815 0300). Saturday mornings add an hour of prayer at 7 AM, giving the church a steady cadence of intercession through the week.
Pastoral Teaching on Zoom
On Tuesday evenings at 6 PM, Pastor Mann leads Pastoral Teaching over Zoom, a series the church describes as "Building Faith for Miracles." The virtual gathering keeps Bible teaching accessible to people joining from home, and the meeting link is shared under the Pastoral Teaching tab.
Covenant Keepers
Covenant Keepers is the men's ministry of the church. The group hosts periodic evening meetings with online registration through its own dedicated site, giving men of the congregation a structured place to grow together in faith and accountability.
Faith Temple Cares: Outreach in Elmira
Faith Temple Cares is the church's community outreach arm. Members have handed out free back-to-school supplies to K-12 students, with the Census and voter registration on hand as part of a Saturday series. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Faith Temple partnered with the Chemung County Health Department to host pop-up vaccination clinics, vaccinating 103 people in a single day as part of Governor Cuomo's community-based vaccination initiative. The church also recognizes members on their birthdays through the Mothers Board.
Single Parent Enrichment and Virtual Tutoring
The church runs a Single Parent Enrichment program whose mission is to "present information, identify resources, and introduce practical life skills towards a holistic approach to single parenting." Wegmans is recognized for its generous support of the program. Virtual Tutoring extends the church's educational reach online, and a Mother's Day Celebration honors women of the congregation each year.
The Golden Leaf Legacy
Pastor Leo Hughey's imprint on the congregation is preserved through the Golden Leaf Legacy Campaign, which completes a final work begun under his leadership. The campaign honors a pastor remembered for planting "seeds of knowledge, love, and grace" in both the spiritual and natural lives of those he served. Engraved Golden Leaves, available for $250 each, are mounted on the church's Legacy Tree in recognition of donors who carry that vision forward.
Giving and Live Stream
Those who want to support the church's work can give online through Givelify, mail a check or money order to the church address, or contribute in person during Sunday service. A live stream of services is available on YouTube, and the church keeps an active presence on Facebook. The sanctuary doors at 765 Harper Street open to a Pentecostal family rooted in worship, prayer and service to Elmira.