Mitchell Temple Church of God in Christ

Church History

1961-2009

After leaving Mississippi in 1948, Elder David Mitchell and his wife, Mother Christine Mitchell returned to Indianola, MS in 1959. They joined Jerusalem COGIC under the leadership of Elder Isadore Slacks. At Jerusalem, he served as a deacon, prior to becoming an ordained elder.

In the latter part of 1961, Elder Mitchell was appointed pastor of the church in Bourbon, MS by Bishop Lyles. With the consent of Elder Slack, Deacon and Sister Tate along with their grand-daughter accompanied them to the church in Bourbon. Elder Mitchell named the church Truevine COGIC. Truevine, located in the very small rural community, was surrounded by farms and a community store. The church members and attendees were people living on nearby farms. Among these was the Foster family, which consisted of father, mother and thirteen children.

In 1963, Elder Mitchell and Mother Mitchell with the help of Jack Harper purchased the lot at 1108 Third Avenue. After purchasing this property, Police Jack using a truck and trailer, moved the church from Bourbon to Indianola. Many souls were added to the church. Among them were Sister Alberta Miles, Mother Ora Williams, the Gilson family, the Hill family, Deacon Price Albert and Bonnie Zell White family (19 children). The church grew immensely.

In 1977, a new building was erected. Bishop Timothy Scott built the pulpit. While the new building was being erected, services were held under a tent on a concrete slab. With the erection of the new edifice, the church was renamed Mitchell Temple COGIC. Later, Elder Mitchell proposed to add a kitchen and dining area to the church. He died in September 1995 at 93 years old, before this vision became reality.

In October 1995, Bishop Scott appointed Elder Andre’ L. Curry pastor of Mitchell Temple COGIC. Pastor Curry came ready to work spiritually and naturally. Immediately, he labored to complete the kitchen and dining room envisioned by Elder Mitchell. In 1996 the kitchen and dining room were completed and dedicated in the Mitchell’s honor. He also completely renovated the entrance area and offices of the church, adding a computer lab, new musical instruments, and pulpit furniture.

“TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY”