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Bishop W.F. Newbon
(Church History)
Bishop W.F. Newbon who was both founder and builder, was born in Brownsville, Tennessee. Bishop W.F. Newbon was married to Lady Pat Newbon. To their union they were blessed with 4 wonderful children, Supt. Andrei Newbon (married to Marcia E. Newbon), Leslie C. Newbon, Eric L. Newbon (married to Holly Newbon), Sacorrea Newbon.
Bishop W.F. Newbon was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 12 years old under the late Pastor Cleveland Bell. He served in various positions at the First Church of God in Christ between the years of 1948-1971.
In the month of December of 1971 the name Community Temple was given by its Founder Bishop W.F. Newbon to distinguish it from the other churches of God in Christ in Decatur, Illinois.
On the first Sunday in December of 1971, the doors of Community Temple were opened for the first time. In a small storefront on the corner of Illinois and Orchard Streets, Community Temple had its beginning. There was much work to be done before the building could be opened for worship services.
At the completion of the work the storefront was ready for the first worship service which included thirteen members and a host of children. Through God’s blessings, many were saved and the membership began to grow.
In April of 1972, the church was blessed to purchase the church property of Community Church of God where we are presently located. God opened the door by way of Mr. & Mrs. Frazier Bassett. Their financial backing enabled us to secure a loan to purchase the church.
With the help of many faithful brethren and friends, the church has been remodeled and enlarged several times to accommodate the growth of the membership. Improvements have included carpeting, new pews, new basement and sanctuary, a fellowship hall, a staff room, a nursery, additional class rooms, a new kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, an office for our First Lady, a new P.A. room and a new facelift for the outside of the church.
Other accomplishments to his credits include being the founder of Liberty Temple COGIC located in Champaign, IL. On November 9th, 1998 he was appointed prelate of the Central Illinois Jurisdiction by Presiding Bishop Chandler David Owens, serving 2nd in succession to the founder Bishop T.T. Rose.
Bishop Newbon has left to us who remain a treasured legacy of faithful ministry. It is our endeavor to perpetuate the ministry of which he has left to the end that God might be glorified.