FROM THE DESK OF BROTHER PASTOR

Sisters and Brothers In Christ,                                                                 

            A famous author once wrote:  "We would arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."  Lincoln Congregational Temple was founded in the Shaw Community 139 years ago.  During that period,Lincoln set standards for other churches to follow.  Through our ministry, God's light has shined brightly on dark corners of injustice, and illuminated new roads in music, Christian education, and community leadership. 

Our sanctuary has hosted some of the finest voices of our time including:  Jessye Norman; Marian Anderson; Roberta Flack; Grover Bullock; Francese Brooks; and Renee Barnes.  Our pulpit has been filled with preachers who were also scholars such as Shelby Rooks; Julian Bond; Channing Philips; James A. Forbes, Jr.; and Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.  Members of Lincoln have been leaders in the community:  Blanche K. Bruce was the first man of color elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate; Mary Church Terrell and others desegregated lunch counters downtown; Eliza Shippen co-founded Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.; Nellie Quander served as first national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.; Doyle Mitchell, Sr. founded the first bank owned entirely by African Americans.

But just when we think we have seen all Lincoln can do, new blessings continue to spring from our faithful and creative membership.  As the Beloved Community, Lincoln Temple took a bold step by opening its doors to historically under-represented groups.  We embody the essence of the statement:  "Whoever you are; wherever you are, you're welcome here.  Jesus turned no one away; and neither do we." 

Lincoln has produced clubs that enhance our organization while blessing the community at large:  Women's Fellowship; the Men's Club; the Social Builders; and Friendly Circle.  And God keeps taking us to higher heights and deep depths with our developing Time Banks program.  As we prepare for the next 139 years, we are reminded that the best is yet to come!

           God Is Good All The Time!

           Nathan A. Harris