Watson Temple Apostolic Church

After serving two years as the Assistant Pastor of Faith Tabernacle A.O.H. Church in Richmond, CA, the Holy Spirit led Pastor James L. Williams, Jr. to establish Watson Temple Apostolic Church in Oakland, CA. Watson Temple was born on April 6, 1997. The first service was held at 6869 Sunkist Ave. 

As we fasted, prayed and lifted up the name of Jesus, the Lord added to the church. During this time, ministries were developed. Our choir, Young People Love Joy (YPLJ) and the Sunday School Department were established. Of course, we had and continue to have a strong and seasoned Mother’s Board. These women are full of wisdom and capable of teaching the word of God.

We outgrew our facility on Sunkist and had to look for another location to worship. Our first fundraiser was the 20/20 program. The funds raised helped with the relocation to our new facility in Oakland. In October 1998, we were blessed to move to 6141 Market St.  Although the building needed work, the Lord gave our Pastor a vision to build a new facility on the property. This vision was manifested a few years later.

In 2001, Pastor Williams was ordained as Overseer for the State of Washington at Pentecost in Mobile, AL He also served on the National Financial Committee for the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God from 1998 until 2006.

In 2004, the vision received by our Pastor was being realized. We demolished our church building and started building our new facility. 

In 2005, we moved into our beautiful sanctuary! Yes, God continued to open doors and make ways for us as we lifted up His name and followed His leading! As our church continued to grow, God stirred up the gifts and more ministries were developed. Ministries such as, the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Youth Ushers, Youth Choir, Missionary, Hospitality, Community Feeding, Praise Dance, Steppers and Outreach. In addition, there were ordinations of Deacons and members accepting their call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, God was moving mightily in Watson Temple!

As the Lord continued to develop Overseer Williams’ faith and character, the Holy Spirit released him from the A.O.H. Church Organization in January 2007. While it was difficult for him to leave, he knew obedience to God was necessary to be used for His glory. 

In April 2011, our Pastor was approached by the late Dr. H.L. Bostic to join the Apostolic Original Holy Churches of God organization. Again, he was approached to join the organization a couple of times by the late Bishop Teman Bostic in 2012. After much praying and fasting, Pastor Williams made a decision to join the organization in October 2013 and was elevated to the Bishopric in July 2014. Since the lost of Bishop Bostic, Bishop Williams became the Acting Prelate of the Organization for a season. In February 2017, Bishop Williams resigned from the Apostolic Original Holy Churches Organization and shared the vision of the “Blessings of Abraham” Organization that God has given him.

Yes, God is with us! As He continues to stir up our gifts, unify us and use us for His glory, we will continue to experience a love affair that’s everything and everlasting while manifesting theLove of Christ to others! We will persistently be wowed by God, while walking in His favor!