OUR HISTORY

In 1985, the Lord gave Bishop Archie Craddox and Co-Pastor Bertha Craddox a Vision to start a Church. It was on or about this time that Bishop Craddox had decided to retire from his many years as a self-employed Landscaper and return to his boyhood home of Vero Beach, Florida. Little did he know that the Lord had other plans for his life. (It’s been said that we make plans and God laughs.) Without hesitation, they answered the call to start a church. They sought the wise council of Apostle Willard Andrews of Carteret, New Jersey, who ordained Bishop and Co-Pastor and set them forth in the ministry. They quickly gathered their children, along with their wives and husbands, and told them what the Lord had instructed them to do. With everyone in agreement and on one accord, they immediately began to think of names for the church.  The House of Prayer for All People was decided upon.  The spirit of the Lord confirmed in Bishop that eyes have not seen nor ears heard the great and mighty things that would be birthed through this ministry. Shortly thereafter, they began a small Friday night Prayer Service in their home.  Souls were saved, minds were set free, families were restored and many were delivered. Seeing that the Lord had set his approval upon the work and no longer able to house the people in the Prayer Room, Bishop began to seek the Lord for divine direction in locating a Sanctuary to house his people. The Lord quickly answered and they were instructed to go to Asbury Park, New Jersey. Being obedient servants Bishop and Co-Pastor ventured into the wilderness, with the word of the Lord as a lamp unto their feet and light unto their pathway. As God answered they were lead to the Westside Community Center in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Each week Bishop and a handful of others would go into the center to clean and set up chairs before service. There were times when the building was too hot because there was no air conditioning and at times too cold because the heat didn’t work or the Landlord simply forgot to turn it on. Nevertheless, we were not discouraged. Bishop, Co-Pastor and congregation were determined to do the will of God.

Every area of the Ministry was functioning at full capacity. The Music Ministry consisted of Minister John Craddox, Deacon Everett Thomas, Minister Ed Craddox, Michelle Suckragh, and Adrianne Neal. The Praise and Worship Ministry consisted of Minister Joyce Thomas, Linda Baker, Carol Craddox, Minister Kennis Bellamy and Anitra Bellamy. Bible Study and Sunday School were taught by Minister John Craddox. The Sunday School was staffed by Superintendent Barbara Lester, Assistant Superintendent Minister Adrianne Bryant and Sunday School Secretary, Linda Craddox. The Women’s Ministry staff was Minister Joyce Thomas (President) and Linda Craddox (Vice President). The remainder of the ministerial staff consisted of Deacon Myron Bryant (Technician), Minister Ed Baker (Head Usher), Deacon Carl Lester (Head Deacon) and Youth Pastors Ed and Carol Craddox.

Time quickly passed and in 1986, Bishop began to seek the Lord for a Sanctuary of our own. As they continued to labor before the Lord, The Lord spoke a word to Co-Pastor and said that because of their faithfulness he would not only give his people a sanctuary, but that we would pay for it in cash! God Promised to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think! Through Minister John Craddox and his divine connection with the Honorable Judge Jerome Gertner of Lakewood, New Jersey, we were offered the opportunity to purchase the Jewish War Veterans Building located at 1106 Comstock Street, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bishop and few of the members of The House of Prayer went in and totally renovated the building.  In 1987, the day of our ribbon cutting, Bishop, Co-Pastor and the members of the House of Prayer, walked into our sanctuary debt free! Just as the Lord had promised! Due to the important part they played in the establishment of this ministry, The Honorable Judge Jerome Gertner and Apostle Willard Andrews of Carteret, New Jersey were honored guest speakers for this historic event. Later on the House of Prayer was renamed Praise Temple Ministries.

On May 15, 2001, Bishop Archie Craddox was called home to be with the Lord. Co-Pastor Bertha Craddox gained strength and took over the job as Pastor and continued to lead God’s people. Rev. John Craddox was elevated to Assistant Pastor. Before his home going, Bishop Craddox and the Praise Temple congregation, purchased and paid for five acres of land on Route 33, Neptune, New Jersey.

In December 2008, Pastor Bertha Craddox was elevated to be the Overseer of Praise Temple Ministries. Rev. John Craddox was elevated to Pastor and his lovely wife Linda Craddox became Praise Temple’s first “First Lady”. Rev. Joyce Thomas was elevated to assistant Pastor and Evangelist Rebecca “Mother” Thomas became our first church Mother.

To this day this great Ministry continues to be blessed by the vision of our Founders Bishop Archie Craddox and Overseer Bertha Craddox.