Experience faith, fellowship, and service in the heart of Philadelphia. Where God is glorified, Christ is preached and our community is uplifted.
Watch Our Service | 11:30a via Facebook LiveOur ministry, our history and our servants
Phillips Temple Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was named for Bishop Charles Henry Phillips, the 8th Bishop of the C.M.E. Church. Our congregation began as a spiritual outgrowth from Russell Tabernacle C.M.E. Church; in 1946 a group of devoted believers banded together to praise and serve God in the Methodist way, under the leadership of a young Southern Gentleman minister — the Reverend James H. Tucker — and six other devoted believers who set out to follow a spiritual vision to start a new congregation. Their guiding scripture: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 KJV
God's light led Sister Lucille Judge to secure a place for the church at Pelzer Funeral Home, 5th and Christian Street. This band of believers met on May 27, 1946 in the parlor of Pelzer and founded a congregation to be known as Phillips Temple Colored Methodist Episcopal Church — the fifth Colored Methodist Church in the City of Philadelphia.
Founding charter members: Rev. James H. Tucker (Founding Pastor), Mother Lucille Judge, Sister Louise Byrd, Sister Lottie Brown June, Sister Hattie Mae Williams, Sister Margaret Judge Jones, Brother Earnest Major. The first official board meeting was held May 28, 1946.
Between 1946 and 1973, Phillips Temple worshipped in three locations. In 1949 trustees purchased property at 336–338 Queen Street where they worshipped for twenty-four years; membership grew from thirty-three to over two hundred-fifty. In 1954 the General Conference renamed the denomination — Phillips Temple was now officially Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
God answered their prayers by providing a larger church home at 754 S. 3rd Street, a former Synagogue, where the first worship service was held in January 1973. In 1981 repairs began under Rev. Tucker's leadership. In December 1990, Rev. Tucker was called from labor to rest. In 1991 the Rev. William C. Green was elected Pastor, serving faithfully for over three decades.
On July 26, 2025, the Rev. Arian B. Harris was elected to be the third pastor in the history of the church. On October 19, 2025 the Rev. Danielle Days was installed as the first assistant pastor in the history of the church.
An example of adaptive re-use that reflects the changes in the neighborhood, this building was originally a synagogue, then a dance hall, a union hall, and finally a church. Since the 1970s, the building has been home to Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church. Most of Phillips Temple's members can trace their family roots to the South — parents or grandparents from Georgia and the Carolinas who built a close-knit community along 3rd and 4th Streets between Bainbridge and Washington Avenue.
The Neziner synagogue was moved here in 1895. In 1905, Heartfellow Hall was sold to a Romanian congregation, enlarged to accommodate 400 worshippers, and a women's gallery was added — which remains there today. The building was constructed as a very functional, working-class synagogue and has undergone relatively little renovation despite its many incarnations.
Although members of Phillips Temple have worshipped at 754 South 3rd Street since the early 1970s, they still come together every week for Sunday service followed by a home-cooked feast in the church's basement hall — a beloved tradition that endures even as the surrounding neighborhood has dramatically changed.
THE OFFICIAL BOARD OFFICERS
Rev. Arian B. Harris, Pastor
Rev. Danielle Days, Assistant Pastor
Yvonne Hollinger, Trustees Board Chair
Dea. Jerome Wilson, Recording Steward
Barbara Johnson, Stewardess Board Chair
Carolyn Powell, Church Treasurer
Renee Jones, Church Secretary
Cynthia Felton, Church Clerk
The Stewards
Responsible for estimating appropriations for the pastor and keeping an accurate account of money collected and spent by the church for all purposes.
The Stewardesses
Duties: To serve the table of the Lord. To serve the table of the poor. To serve the table of the ministry. To assist in collecting the General Funds. To work in conjunction with the Board of Stewards.
The Trustees
Hold all property, real, personal, and mixed owned by the charge, ensuring it is properly titled and held in trust for the congregation.
Board of Christian Education
Organizes and administers the educational ministry of the church, including Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.
The Sunday Church School
Provides training in the love and knowledge of God across all age categories: children, youth, young adults and adults.
Choirs and Personnel
In the Worship of God, singing plays a prominent role. There shall be one or more Choirs in every church with a president who shall be a member of the Church.
Board of Ushers
Responsible for admitting people to the House of Worship and attending to their comfort during the service.
Women Ministry
Developing and promoting an effective Christian Ministry to Women throughout the church and community.
Ministry to Men
Developing and promoting an effective Christian Ministry fellowship to Men throughout the church and community.
Pastor Aides
Their responsibility is to accommodate the needs of the Pastor.
Dear Friend,
On behalf of the Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church family, welcome to our digital home! We are so glad you have taken the time to visit our website and learn more about who we are.
This is an exciting season for our church. As I step into this journey as the new pastor — along with our Assistant Pastor, Rev. Danielle Days — I truly believe we are entering a time of renewal and joy as we move forward together in Christ. As we open this new chapter in our shared story, please know that you are not just a visitor here — you are invited to be part of our family.
There is a scripture that has been on my heart as we embark on this path. In the book of Numbers, Moses invited his father-in-law to join them on their journey to the promised land:
"We're leaving for the place the Lord has promised us. He has said that all will go well for us. So come along, and we will make sure that all goes well for you." (Numbers 10:29 CEV)
Just like Moses, we would love for you to "come along" and join us. Whether you are seeking a place to belong, a deeper relationship with Jesus, or simply a community that cares, we believe that Phillips Temple can be a home for you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do for you. We look forward to seeing you in person soon!
Always with love (and forever in His service),
Rev. Arian B. Harris
We are a mutually supportive Christian community whose purpose is the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
Extending beyond the church building to touch and transform lives through active service and love.
Deepening our understanding of God's Word through weekly study and group discussion.
Empowering the next generation with faith, leadership skills, and a supportive community.
Dedicated groups for men and women to connect, share experiences, and grow spiritually together.
Providing religious education and spiritual formation for members of all ages.
Lifting our voices in praise and worship, enhancing our services with spiritual music.
Supporting our local community by providing food and necessities to those in need.
Believing with you for an answer to your requests through the power of intercessory prayer.
Highlights from our worship services and community events.
Sunday School:
10:00 AM
Sunday Worship Service:
11:30 AM
Wednesday Bible Study (Virtual):
7:00 PM