From Prayer to Promise

The Birth of Wallace Temple

Wallace Temple Church of God in Christ began as a prayer mission conducted by Mother Corine Wallace in the year of 1952 in her home. As the prayer mission began to grow, Mother Wallace saw the vision of a church. She began to ask her husband, the Elder Edgar Wallace, to consider taking it over as pastor. Elder Wallace, being an evangelist or “street preacher”, had no interest in pastoring. So, Mother Wallace continued to conduct these prayer meetings, while praying that The Lord would soften her husband’s heart and give it to him to become pastor of this growing ministry.  

In 1953, The Lord heard Mother Wallace’s prayers and Elder Wallace officially organized the group of followers into a church. It was then named “The Church of God in Christ”. Later, they would move into a storefront at 3552 S. Cottage Grove. After experiencing more growth, they would move two doors down into a larger space at 3555 S. Cottage Grove. The church eventually took the name of its founder and became known as Wallace Temple Church of God in Christ. 

Faithful Leadership

A Growing Work and God’s Provision

Elder Wallace, being a teacher, would spend hours laboring in the Word and instructing this group of mostly young, curious, and hungry souls that were moving to the big city during what is known as the Great Migration. As the church continued to grow, Elder Wallace moved them yet again to an even larger storefront on 112 East 43rd Street. The church continued to add souls and would become known for the great revivals and miracles that would occur on a weekly basis.  

In 1968, Elder Edgar Wallace was called from labor to reward. The search began for the next leader of this growing church. In January of 1969, Minister Ozzie L. Cooperwood, a faithful young man and the assistant pastor to Elder Wallace, was ordained an elder and installed as the pastor of Wallace Temple.  

As the church continued to grow, the need for a church building became undeniable. The saints prayed and The Lord heard them. In 1973, Wallace Temple moved into their very own edifice at 9229 S. Drexel Avenue. In 1981, the mortgage was burned because of the hard work of the faithful saints. In 1985, the vision for expansion was once again realized, and the property adjacent to the church was purchased, affectionately called “The Fellowship House”. Pastor Cooperwood retired after serving for fifty-four years as pastor. 

A New Season

Abounding Vision and Community Impact

On October 1, 2023, Pastor LaDarius J. Beal was appointed as senior pastor of Wallace Temple. Under Pastor Beal’s leadership, the Abounding Community Development Corporation was developed as an extension arm of the church to focus on the needs of the community; specifically affordable housing, financial literacy, and food security.  

Many souls have been saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, bodies have been healed, death has been rebuked, lives have been changed, ministries have been started, and ministers have gone out to pastor through Wallace Temple Church. All praise and glory to God for what He has done in and through this ministry for these seventy-two years. Now we look forward to the future!