Apostolic Gospel Temple, Jamestown, OH
In August of 1979, after much prayer, Rev. William Boggs and wife, Sis. Joyce Boggs (Sis. Gina’s mother and father), felt the calling of God to start an Apostolic church in the city of Jamestown, OH. Nine attended the first service of the new church, appropriately named the Apostolic Gospel Temple.
In the first year that the doors were open, the Apostolic Gospel Temple baptized over 100 people in the name of Jesus Christ. In only five years’ time, the building in Jamestown was not adequate enough to meet the needs of the congregation; so, in 1984 Rev. Boggs purchased a building located at 73 High Street in Xenia.
Apostolic Gospel Temple, Xenia, OH
After the move to Xenia, nearly 20 years of pastoring and after leading the Apostolic Gospel Temple to great growth, in November of 1998 Rev. Boggs appointed his son-in-law, Rev. Victor Vera, as pastor of the church.
Pastor Vera announced his five-year vision to build a house for the Lord, and within that five years of ministering, Pastor Vera and the congregation were once again out of room. Pastor Vera held firm to his vision that the Apostolic Gospel Temple would one day occupy a building located on the highway. Soon God would direct Pastor and Sis. Vera to a twelve-acre plot of ground at the intersection of two major highways.
Apostolics of Xenia: Future Site
God fulfilled His promise on land at ‘the corner’ of State Route 42 South and Route 35. We soon closed the deal and planted our new name; The Apostolic’s of Xenia. In the process, we met our architect and builder. After intense negotiations and planning, in May of 2003 we signed the contract for the construction of our new building and broke ground on our new property.
A foundationwas poured, walls were built and trusses were hung. Shingles were laid and our beautiful steeple was installed. As they built, we continued gathering on High St., but we just couldn’t wait to get in our new building, so we held our first service in it before there was carpet, drywall, or insulation. Nearly 100 people attended that day.
Apostolics of Xenia: God’s Promise Fulfilled
On March 12, 2004 we were notified that all permits and inspections were final, and that the building was ours to occupy! In two days’ time we made a mass exodus from 73 High Street to 978 St. Rt. 42 South. Right away we went to work preaching the gospel and worshiping the Lord; and the Lord added to the church. They were baptized in Jesus’ name, and they received the Holy Ghost! Nearly 150 visitors would come in the first five weeks of service.
Apostolics of Xenia Church (AXC): Into the Future
Today, Senior Pastor and Sis. Vera, along with our Pastoral team, are continuing the Apostolic legacy of revival and growth. We are already planning for new building phases here at AXC through the dreams of Sis. Vera; as she has literally dreamed of growth to the existing building and to our Sunday School classes. This dream has been affectionately referred to as the “Dream Phase” to which our church donates regularly.
AXC will continue to grow in Apostolic faith and Doctrine, preaching and teaching true biblical salvation. Beginning in the book of Acts, going into our community sharing the gospel of the birth, life, death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.