Young’s Temple Observes 142nd Anniversary

Young’s Temple A.M.E. Zion Church Morristown, TN, observed its 142^nd Anniversary on October 15, 2023.  The church is a part of the Asheville District of the Blue Ridge Conference and is probably one of the oldest churches in the conference.  The theme was “Celebrating Our Past with Hope for Tomorrow.”  The service was dedicated to the memory of the forefathers and saints of old who had paved the way.  The church, through the years, has been fraught with innumerable trials and tribulations.  Without the faith, wisdom, integrity, and powerful spirit of the saints of old, the church would not have existed,

Young’s Temple originated in 1881.  Its first pastor was Rev. Robert Rusell, who traveled on horseback preaching at Morristown in the morning and at Russell Chapel in Rogersville in the afternoon. The Church is named for Rev. D. J. Young, for whom little information is available.

In 1942, the church was heavily mortgaged and destined to be sold as a dance Hall.  Through the efforts of the pastor and prayer warriors, the church was saved, and the mortgage burned in 1945. 

In 1963, Urban Renewal acquired the property, and the church was forced to move to its present location. 

In 2020, Covid wreaked havoc as the membership went from 40+ to 15+.

The Sunday morning message was delivered by Minister DeShano Dukes (COGIC), He spoke on “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You”.  Sunday afternoon, the message was delivered by Elder J.W. Dukes, pastor of COGIC He spoke on “The Church will Never Die” (Matthew 24:13).  Elder Dukes challenged the members to “stay in the church” He said, “Since Covid the devil has encouraged many to join bedside and Morningside but as you see the day of the Lord coming make you way to the church.  Learn how to submit.  The mission is how to say “yes Lord.  Say, My mind is made up, my heart is fixed, I’m going all the way.  Stay in the church Everything’s going to be alright”.

Young’ Temple has had some 46 pastors to grace its pulpit.  Reverends Warren Brown and J.W. Wactor were elevated to the Bishopric.  The church sits atop a hill with a cross in its center, which, when lit, can be seen for miles around. The membership is small in number but large in faith.  The faithful few keep the home fires burning.  The current pastor is Rev. Wayne K. Purcell.  The presiding Elder is Rev. Herbert Grant.  Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Darryl B. Starnes.