About Us

Elder Jovanni Brown

Elder Jovanni Brown

 
Historical Highlights

Johnson Holy Temple was founded in 1951. The church began as a prayer meeting in the living room of Mother Jettie Mae Johnson. As the prayer expanded, services were moved into the empty three bed room shot gun house on the property. The walls were knocked out and full-fledged services were held. As Mother Johnson and her husband Elder Jeffery Johnson worked together in ministry many souls were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and the house became too small. In 1957, the saints decided to build a brick church building. On the fourth Sunday in March 1958 the church opened its doors to the first brick church in Shreveport among African Americans. Elder Johnson and the saints dress in white lined up almost reaching the Cooper Road.  

Mother Johnson prophesied before Elder Johnson passed that the preaching deacon would be the next pastor. After the death of Elder Johnson, the membership came together and decided that Deacon Clifton Robert would be the next pastor. Mother Johnson notified Supt. J.K. Anderson and Bishop J.W. White. Elder Clifton Robert was ordained in September of 1959. Countless souls were saved and ministries birthed under the leadership of Pastor Clifton Robert. Elder Robert served as pastor of Johnson Holy Temple for nearly forty years.  

On January 15, 1998, Elder John B. Taylor, Jr was appointed the pastor. Johnson Holy Temple made significant impact upon its community. In addition, the land on both sides of the church have been purchased and a lot behind the church.  In 2006, Supt. Lytton Cleveland assumed the pastoral oversight of Johnson Temple. In 2008, Elder David Hall was appointed pastor. In August 2012, Elder Brandon Harper was appointed pastor. Johnson Holy Temple has taken on a fresh look and continues to strive for great things. The Best is yet to come…