Our Founders

Greater Emmanuel Temple COGIC was founded by Superintendent Michael Golden Sr. along with his wife Deborah and children, Michael, Benjamin and Marcus, on April 7, 1996, in Hampton, VA. During the 1995 National Holy Convocation in Memphis, TN, Superintendent Golden received a visitation from the Lord urging him to “Step out by faith and start a church!” Strategic planning began immediately and five months later, on Resurrection Sunday 1996, the church officially opened at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Hampton, VA.

This Historical Event was marked by incredible Praise, Worship, and Deliverance. More than thirty attendees came in support of this ministry launch. The months that followed showed a growing community of believers beginning to take the form of a budding church. Under the visionary leadership of Superintendent Golden, Greater Emmanuel Temple purchased it first worship facility on August 20, 1996. The property, located at 1225 North King St. in Hampton, VA was the site of a former bank. On September 22, 1996, while the worship center was being renovated, the first service was held in the fellowship hall which was located on the second floor. Superintendent Golden spent the next few years defining and developing infrastructure, ministries, and auxiliaries. In late 2006, Greater Emmanuel Temple began to explore options to build a new worship center at its existing location. On August 6, 2007, after tremendous community contention, City Officials gave Greater Emmanuel Temple the approval to build a new worship facility at our current site. After much preparation, we broke ground on the new Greater Emmanuel Temple on March 5, 2008. On September 20, 2008, the new worship center was dedicated by the late Bishop Samuel L Green, Jr. and the officers and members of the 2nd Jurisdiction State of VA. On February 6, 2011, Superintendent Golden announced that, effective January 1, 2012, Elder Michael Golden Jr. would become the new Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Temple COGIC. He again exclaimed that he had heard from God and was excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for this great church. Almost immediately, Superintendent Golden began to put the necessary policies and procedures in place to ensure a smooth transition. Elder Michael Golden Jr., Co-Founder of Greater Emmanuel Temple COGIC was appointed Pastor Designee on January 1, 2012, during our New Year’s Eve Service and was officially installed as Pastor on February 4, 2012, by the late Bishop Samuel L. Green Jr. (Jurisdictional Prelate). Pastor Michael Golden Jr., immediately put in place an aggressive plan to assist the church in retiring at least $30,000 of debt. In February of 2012, the church purchased equipment to begin its Video Ministry and the equipment was paid off within 30 days. On Resurrection Sunday 2012, Pastor Golden Jr. began a weekly live radio broadcast entitled: “Live at the Temple!” By June 2012, the congregation purchased a new van to begin the Transportation and Campus Ministry. That van was paid off within 90 days, and a new van was subsequently purchased. In November of 2012, the church began streaming live. On December 28, 2012, Greater Emmanuel Temple purchased the property and parking lot directly across the street to accommodate the growth of its emerging congregation and declared: “We Got the Keys!” Sunday worship services began to grow rapidly, and a decision was made to add a 9:00 AM service, which was officially held on Resurrection Sunday, March 31, 2013. The church’s rapid growth increased the need for additional transportation, and on August 15, 2013, a new 25 passenger bus was added to the growing Transportation Fleet. On September 21, 2013, Greater Emmanuel Temple moved forward again by opening a Food Pantry Ministry which provides assistance to those in need. Greater Emmanuel Temple is indeed God’s church for the present and future, and the launch of the ministry is one of the greatest decisions ever made!