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Temple Baptist Church was organized at 2:30 pm MST on 11 May 1958. Fifty Eight (58) members and friends of the First Southern Baptist Church of Rapid City, South Dakota met in the Farmer's Union building in Box Elder, South Dakota, for the purpose of organizing a New Testament Church to be affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Moderator for this meeting was Brother Roy Owen, regional missionary for North and South Dakota at that time.Brother Henry K. Stringer assumed the duties as the first pastor of Temple Baptist Church on 1 June 1958. Also in June, Temple began securing worship facilities by purchasing two wooden structures from Ellsworth Air Force Base. The first year proved to be an exciting one, as shown by the first Vacation Bible School, which had an average attendance of 255, and 81 professions of faith. Records indicate that the first building committee was formed in August 1958. A local fund drive was established the same month, and construction began on the brick structure (present sanctuary) in September or October 1958. The people of Temple Baptist Church responded generously to mission work in the area. In April 1963, support for a mission in Custer, South Dakota was established. In July 1965, Temple assumed sponsorship of the Custer Baptist Chapel. In March 1973, Temple saw the need for another local mission, and sponsored one in Hereford, South Dakota. Temple Baptist Church has had 9 pastors since being organized, including Brother Keith McCraw, the current Pastor.In March 2008, Temple celebrated, with former pastor Dick and Barbara Mefford, over 30 years of service, to the Box Elder, Ellsworth AFB, and Rapid City communities. Brother Dick was awarded the title and position of Pastor Emeritous. It was a wonderful service, in which Brother Dick, once again filled the pulpit, and preached a wonderful sermon.
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