Church History

The Bibleway Temple Church of God in Christ was born out of the Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Laurel Delaware. Because of the distance the members has to travel, Elder Waffers Brown and Elder L.T. Blackshear decided to start a church in the Dover area.

On April 28, 1959 Deacon Raymond Warren and Mother Nettie Warren opened the doors of their home for prayer service and bible band. God blessed, and these services continued until a decision was made to purchase a building at 54 S. Kirkwood St., Dover Delaware, formerly the Mt. Zion A.M.E Church.

Elder Waffers Brown submitted a name to the pastor for the church. The name Bibleway Church of God in Christ was changed to the Bibleway Temple Church of God in Christ. The Church is incorporated under this name.

On June 14, 1977, the officials and members voted to build the present facility. The trustees purchased the adjoining property and the ground breaking ceremonies were held April 9, 1978.

We believe that the new structure was a God-given revelation because when the membership voted to build, we did not have any dimensions for the new building As God revealed the information to the pastor, Bishop Blackshear, he would make notes and sketches until he had enough information to sketch and design the building. A permit was obtained from the city of Dover and, the pastor being the general contractor, the work began.

The members gave their support and through the services, they donated to the work of the Lord's house. Funds were made available through free-will offerings, donations and rallies. The new structure is 50 x 100 ft. and consists of the following: an auditorium with a seating capacity of 900-1000, a lower auditorium for dining, recreational and educational purposes, central heating and air conditioning for comfort, and it is also equipped with 31 rooms and offices. It is designed to serve the total community.

"We came this far by faith, leaning on the Lord" expresses the sentiments of the entire congregation of the Bibleway Temple Church.

(The Church where power of God is.)