Founding Pastor Emmitt Rule, Jr.
Founding First Lady Doris Rule
Our History
How It All Started...
Grace Temple Church of God in Christ was founded February 3rd 1974 by Pastor Elder Emmitt Rule Jr., wife Mother Doris Rule along with their six (6) children. They both met at the end of their school year 1959, traveling to Illinois from Lexington, Mississippi and by chance attending the same church, Jew Town Church of God in Christ on 1411 S. Halsted St. under the pastoral leadership of the late Elder Alonzo Templeton. While attending a July revival service our founders received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and became full pledge members.
On January 1st.1961 they became husband and wife and about three (3) years following, the Lord called Elder Rule to the ministry to preach the Gospel. Truly being blessed with a new wife and a calling in January of 1974 our Elder Rule received another great calling of pastoring. Moving in their place of worship at 6916 1/2 S. Stony Island for about three (3) years until making a transition to 15301 S. Lexington of Harvey, Illinois in September 1977.
The growth of Pastor Rule ministry was on the move with a milestone event to Crete, Illinois in April 1998 making it the only Church of God in Christ in the area. The dedication was preformed by Bishop Cody Vernon Marshall and renamed Temple of Grace Church of God in Christ. In January of 2002 Pastor Rule retired from Jewel Food Warehouse in Melrose Park, Illinois devoting his service full-time to his ministry.
On the 29th day of August 2003 our Lord called home our beloved Pastor leaving the continual work and pastoring to his youngest son Elder Bryant A. Rule along side him his wife First Lady Missionary Charlene Rule. To this present day Mother Doris Rule and the church family is continuing doing the work of the Lord.
