Blake's Temple
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
Bishop Gladstone & Mother Nellie M. Blake
We recognize that founding and leading a successful ministry involves more than just starting a church or organization; it requires a vision, leadership, and a strong foundation of faith and character. We, the members of Blake’s Temple, First Born Church Of The Living God Of Rochester, New York, Inc., know we have been blessed with many more attributes than this. Rest easy, Bishop Gladstone and Mother Nellie Blake, The members would never allow the legacy set before us to dissipate.
Home Coming Letter
Greetings in Christ!
I pray this letter finds you well and enjoying the blessings of God in your life!
We are excited about what God is doing here at The First Born Church of the Living God. We are looking forward to all that God has for us in the future as we continue to look to him for guidance and wisdom.
I want to take this opportunity to invite you and your family to our upcoming Anniversary Service and Homecoming Weekend. This invitation is for any and everyone who has attended and/or worshipped with us in the past and present.
This great event will take place August 1-2, 2026. This exceptional weekend will consist of encouraging words from Pastors, family and friends, various choirs, and an excellent assortment of food and fellowship.
Many people may have moved to other churches or away from Rochester; however, we would love to have you return and join us. Please mark your calendar now for this great occasion!
If you have any questions or plan to attend, we would like to know the number of attendees. Please contact me at 585-355-4057 or BishopC@tchdm.com for more information.
Sincerely,
Bishop Neal Craddock
Dedication Service Letter
Praise the Lord Saints,
"THE LORD HATH DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, WHEREOF WE ARE GLAD." PS. 126.3
Today is a great day in the life of Blake's Temple First Born Church of the Living God, for it represents the culmination of many months of planning and cooperative endeavor. The faith, vision, and sacrifice of all who made this possible will long be remembered.
In welcoming you to these dedication services, I would I ask that you give special attention to the fact that we celebrate more than just a building. We celebrate a LIGHTHOUSE in a world of darkness. We celebrate an INSTRUMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD - A THRESHOLD TO ETERNAL LIFE! We are confident that all who come this way will receive a blessing.
As we dedicate this building, we invite you to reconsecrate your lives that God's glory may be seen and that his saving ways will be known to all men through Jesus Christ.
From the depths of our heart, we extend our thanks to all of you for your continued interest and support.
Elder Gladstone Blake
Pastor
Dedication History
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The First Born Church Of The Living God was organized September 12, 1968. The first service was held at 10 A.M. by Rev. G. Blake. The Visiting church was that of Pastor T.J. Range and congregation.
Reverend Blake was installed as pastor by the Presiding Elder of the Northwestern District (diocese), Elder J. Potter of Cincinnati, Ohio. In November of the same year, Rev. Blake was ordained as Elder by the Presiding Bishop C.L. Smith and Senior Bishop of the First Born Church of the Living God, of Waycross, Ga., Senior Bishop H.J. Echols. The ordination took place in Trenton, New Jersey, at the Nazareth First Born Church. Prior to being a church, this building was at one time a grocery store with an upstairs apartment.
Rev. Blake renovated the building into a sanctuary with upstairs classrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen. He even built a nursery for the young children. After 18 years of worshipping in the renovated building, God gave him a vision to build a new sanctuary in 1988, and it has become a reality.
Through faith and hard work, Elder Blake and the dedicated church members by the grace of God, has made a dream come true. Blake's Temple has served the community by helping to feed them and meet many of their physical and financial needs. There are many activities held here, such as Vacation Bible School and other summer activities to reach the community.
Dedication Book Photos
Bishop Gladstone Blakes Ordination Service
Evangelist Blake - Speaker
Soul Saving Conference early 2001 at Blake's Temple FBC.