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Church of the Living God C.W.F.F., Temple #1 had a unique beginning. In 1919, this small temple, pastored by Rev. Davis, was host to the National Assembly. At this Convention, Chief Christian was appointed pastor and Rev. Davis as Assistant minister. Later, Rev. Christian had all the small temples in St. Louis consolidated into one.
In 1920, Rev. Davis found the site at 913 N. Garrison Avenue and made the down payment. The temple progressed financially and numerically. Chief Christian, being greatly impressed, realized the advantage of the geographical location and moved the headquarters to 913 N. Garrison. Here, Chief Christian pastored until death claimed him on April 11, 1928.
Former pastors of this temple were: Bishop E. T. Webb, L. W. Gipson. Bishop W. D. Starnes began his pastorate in 1935 and pastored for 13 years. Rev. J. A. Mosley pastored for ten years. In 1958, Rev. James Ayers became pastor and served for 14 years. In 1970, Rev. Basil Stone became pastor of Temple No. 1 and served for 17 years. In 1987 Bishop S. E. Shannon became the pastor of Temple #1. Later moving to 1610 S. Florissant Road, Cool Valley, Missouri, where he pastored until Rev. Darrell Davis began his pastoral leadership. Elder Davis served for ten years.
Church of the Living God C.W.F.F., (Christian Workers for Fellowship) was organized in May 1889 in Wrightsville, Arkansas, by Revered William Christian. Church of the Living God is a non-denominational and nonsectarian organization.
The Church of the Living God, Temple #29 of Richmond Heights, Missouri, started in a tent on Eager Road in 1914. Evening services were held in the home of the late brother and sister James Eddings. Through the blessings of God, the church moved into a small building at 8021 Dale Ave. A few years later, the members of Temple #29 gained ownership over the facility.
During the civil rights movement, the Church of the Living God Temple #29 served as a meeting place for peaceful demonstrators who fought for the integration of blacks in the Maplewood Richmond Heights school district. Sadly, the building was destroyed by fire. However, with God as their guide and under the leadership of the late Revered J.C. Hopkins and many dear friends, the building was rebuilt within two years. Years following, the church relocated across the street at 8016 Dale Ave. on January 1, 1998. Since its move, Church of the Living God Temple #29 has been unshaken and standing strong.
In 2013, Rev. Robert Caruth Jr. was commissioned by the Executive Board and the Chief Bishop of the Church of the Living God to serve as pastor of temple #1. With about 16 members, he re-established the stability of the church while praying, teaching, and reaching out to others in the community. In 2014, with the recommendation of Vice Chief Bishop Leroy Smith Jr., temple #1 merged with temple #29 of Richmond Heights, Missouri.
The Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #1 and #29 survived many years because of its foundation upon the solid rock: Jesus Christ. Therefore, we join in one great chorus of thanksgiving to the Lord for his grace and for the showers of love and blessing he has poured upon his people.
At Caine Creek, under a brush arbor near Wrightville, Arkansas, in April 1889, a minister named Rev. William Christian, having been pastor of a Baptist church in Ft. Smith, began preaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ as laid down in the Bible. His difference of opinion with Dr. Howe, another Baptist minister, caused him to leave the Baptist church. He intended to begin a work known as Christian’s Friendship Work, but divine revelation and close study of the scriptures led him to believe that the church is known as Church of the Living God. The first members were Elder K. C. Adams, who became the first National Secretary, Rev. Josh Adams, Rev. Russell Stowe, Wm. Pierce, and Tim Jones, a landowner in Wrightsville. Mr. Shackelford, a lawyer in Little Rock, incorporated the church in the state of Arkansas. Rev. John Christian, the brother of Rev. Wm. Christian, was with him in the early work.
In 1895 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a difference of opinion arose that caused them to separate. Both maintained the name of the Church of the Living God, one using Motto C.W.F.F. and the other the pillar and ground of the truth following the name. Only by using the motto’ (C.W.F.F.) in parenthesis is the temple identified as a part of the Brotherhood. There have been numerous secessions, but the Church of the Living God Brotherhood organized by Rev. Christian still is the parent body. The organization itself is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It emphasizes believers’ baptism by immersion, the use of water and unleavened bread element in the Lord’s Supper, and the washing of saint’s feet required only when one unites with the church.
The local organizations are known as “Temple” rather than as “Churches” and are subject to the authority of the general assembly. The presiding officer is styled as “chief bishop.” The ministry includes bishops, overseers, evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and local preachers.
At Caine Creek, under a brush arbor near Wrightville, Arkansas, in April 1889, a minister named Rev. William Christian, having been pastor of a Baptist church in Ft. Smith, began preaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ as laid down in the Bible. His difference of opinion with Dr. Howe, another Baptist minister, caused him to leave the Baptist church. He intended to begin a work known as Christian’s Friendship Work, but divine revelation and close study of the scriptures led him to believe that the church is known as Church of the Living God. The first members were Elder K. C. Adams, who became the first National Secretary, Rev. Josh Adams, Rev. Russell Stowe, Wm. Pierce, and Tim Jones, a landowner in Wrightsville. Mr. Shackelford, a lawyer in Little Rock, incorporated the church in the state of Arkansas. Rev. John Christian, the brother of Rev. Wm. Christian, was with him in the early work.
In 1895 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a difference of opinion arose that caused them to separate. Both maintained the name of the Church of the Living God, one using Motto C.W.F.F. and the other the pillar and ground of the truth following the name. Only by using the motto’ (C.W.F.F.) in parenthesis is the temple identified as a part of the Brotherhood. There have been numerous secessions, but the Church of the Living God Brotherhood organized by Rev. Christian still is the parent body. The organization itself is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It emphasizes believers’ baptism by immersion, the use of water and unleavened bread element in the Lord’s Supper, and the washing of saint’s feet required only when one unites with the church.
The local organizations are known as “Temple” rather than as “Churches” and are subject to the authority of the general assembly. The presiding officer is styled as “chief bishop.” The ministry includes bishops, overseers, evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and local preachers.
Robert Caruth Jr, a native of Peoria, accepted Christ at the age of 14. He had a penchant for learning the word of God early on in his Christian journey. This proved to be the capstone solidifying his walk with the Lord. Pastor Caruth has been married to Melanie Caruth for 35 years. This marital union has produced their only child Fallon who is a miracle from the Lord. Pastor Caruth earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He is currently finishing up his Masters Degree at Moody Theological Seminary. He serves as the teaching pastor and visionary leader of The Church of Living God C.W.F.F. Temple 29 in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Previously Pastor Caruth served as associate minister, Bible teacher, and Sunday School teacher at Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #130 in Peoria, Illinois, under the aegis of Vice Chief LeRoy Smith Jr. Pastor Caruth also teaches the Bible daily on WVEL-AM 1140 Monday thru Friday 10 am – 10:15 am. The Didasko Radio Broadcast can be heard ecumenically at (www.wvel.com).
Michelle Branch has been a member of Church of the Living God, Temple 29, all of her life. Her mother, Sister Lillie Elazer, played the piano for the church for many years until her death. Michelle’s roots are here in Richmond Heights, where she was raised during her early years. Her family later moved to University City. Temple 29 started in her Great grandfather, James Eddings’ living room. As an adult, she joined the Army and served 11 years. Michelle and her husband Joe are both enjoying retirement. Between the two of them, they have six children and a host of grand and great-grandchildren. Michelle currently serves as a Trustee on the church’s Trustee Board and holds the position of Administrative Team Leader. If you see any of our church’s printed material, more than likely, she’s responsible for it. Michelle’s love for the Lord and thankfulness for his grace and mercy is the driving force of her life.
Melanie Caruth is the Coordinating Instructor for new members. Melanie has graciously served as a New Member Instructor for over 17 years. Melanie possesses a compassionate nature and patient temperament in teaching fundamental bible truths to new converts.
Charlotte Owens is a dedicated wife and mother of four children. She has been a member of the Church of the Living God since 1998. Over the years, God has allowed her to grow in His Word. Evan. Owens accepted her calling into the ministry in 2011. Her life is a living testimony that she serves a God of grace and mercy.
Deacon Willie Owens is a faithful and loyal husband and father to four children and a grandfather of three. Deacon Owens came to the church with his grandmother Lillian Fern Crawford under the late Reverend Mosley. Deacon Owens currently holds the position of Chairman of the Trustee Board and Deacon board. Some say he has a general leadership mentality, but he knows God will make him a magnet leader for His glory.
8016 Dale Ave | Richmond Heights, M0 63117
8016 Dale Ave
Richmond Heights, M0 63117
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