Church History

The church began under the

leading of the late Bishop James Booth Burress, he went about from house to house in prayer in 1924. From there a tent was put up and a few were saved. He purchased a little garage in December 1925, which was not big enough for a truck to go in and Bishop Burress began to pastor. It was here that the church really got its start. In the early stage of the church, it was having its difficulty as any church would have in its infancy. It met with many oppositions and challenges. Many prophesied that the church wouldn’t last long with the new doctrine it taught. Times were bad for there was a depression. It was faith that inspired and God added daily to the church such as should be saved. In June 1938, Elder Burress went to McRoberts, Kentucky and was connected with the Church of God Militant Pillar Ground of the Truth, under Bishop and Mother Walker.

Bishop James Booth Burress

he was honored with the title of Bishop at this time. The Lord blessed in 1947 with the erection of an apartment building adjacent to the church. The church was doing fine now and things seemed to be established. Then one dark night in May 1948, the little wooden church which everyone had come to love, mysteriously burned down. All that was left of this little tar paper church as the news commentator Tom McCarthy called it, “was 12 bibles that didn’t burn, only the paper edges were scorched. The saints went to work to raise money for a new church. They worked and prayed as friends worked with them. In 1951, only two years after the fire, the basement was ready for service and was dedicated by Bishop and Mother Walker. But the saints worked on for the auditorium which was completed in 1959. What a joy and a blessing to see a vision come to pass, as the Lord hath promised to build a house for the name of the Lord God. In August 1973, Bishop Burress passed away, but not until he saw his vision come to pass.

Elder Frank Downs was

was then appointed as pastor of the church, he was pastor of Burress Temple for 27 years beginning in 1973 and was appointed bishop and member of the executive board of the church in 1983. Under his leadership the church had a radio ministry that lasted approximately 10 years , a television ministry and a ministry to feed the less fortunate.

Elder Downs was ordained Bishop in the Church of God MPGT. Bishop Downs used every way possible to reach the lost and save souls. He strived to walk through every door that God opened for him.

Bishop Downs mentored and trained many of the ministers and pastors within the diocese that covered Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Springfield and Kentucky. He counseled his flock in a manner that was at once loving and stern. During the 1980’s, he made several missionary trips to Haiti to minister and deliver clothes and food to the needy. He was also involved with the youth in the organization, serving as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, pianist, youth choral director and president of HYPU, a church youth group.

He retired as bishop in 2000. November 8, 2001, the Lord called Bishop Downs home from his earthy labor to a greater reward.

In July of 2000, the Lord

sent as the new pastor Bishop James S. Price. Bishop Price and the saints realized that a new building was needed. The saints along with the new pastor begin working and praying for a new building. In December of 2004, the old church building was damaged by a snow storm, the saints were displaced for four months until temporary repair could be made. The saints marched back into the repaired steeled plated sanctuary with renewed hope and prayer for a new building. July 29, 2009 the prayer was answered and the church loan was signed. October 16, 2010 the saints along with the Executive Board marched into the new church for the dedication service. The Lord truly blessed the saints to erect a new edifice and remodel the old sanctuary into offices and classrooms. We dedicate this house to the saving of souls and the lifting up of God's kingdom. Bishop Price's favorite scripture "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28. Under the leadership of Bishop James S. Price, we are yet a church that is small enough to know you and large enough to serve you. Bishop became ill in 2021 and the Lord called him home to rest March 4, 2022.

In July of 2021.....

the Lord allowed Minister Julie Ann Taylor Price to become the esteemed pastor of Burress Temple Church of God Militant Pillar and Ground of the Truth. When her beloved husband, Bishop James S. Price was unable

to continue to pastor for health reasons, she graciously stepped in as pastor. Despite many trials and tribulations, Pastor Price has triumphed over adversity and has come out on top with the Lord on her side. In her early years, she exhibited her love for the Lord in many different ways. She was filled with the Holy Ghost, under the pastorate of the late Bishop James Booth Burress. Along with holding many positions in the church, such as usher, Sunday school teacher, nurse, bible class teacher, choir member/director, missionary worker, she also had a fervent passion for the word and enjoyed attending bible class and evangelistic service. Pastor Julie married the late Bishop James S. Price, April 14, 1984 and they were blessed to pray for and listen to four boys and four girls, Pastor Julie loves the Lord with all her heart and wants to honor him in all her ways. Her favorite scripture is Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

Burress Temple Apostolic Church of God MPGT

P.O. Box 15561 208 Locust Street Lockland, OH 45215 US