About
Gospel Temple CHURCH
church History:
Founded on October 23, 1949, Gospel Temple Church began as a humble congregation gathering at 334 North Milton Street in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo community. Guided by faith and the Holy Spirit, the church soon outgrew its original sanctuary and, in 1951, moved to its beloved home at 247 North Grotto—now known as 247 Rev. Walter L. Battle Street. With a heart for evangelism and connection, Gospel Temple embraced new ways to serve, even acquiring its first school bus in 1965 to reach and uplift the wider community.
Rooted in a legacy of innovative ministry, Gospel Temple has flourished into one of the leading African-American churches in the Twin Cities. Our church family is proud to have inspired and equipped over 13 new ministries, as leaders have gone forward to serve in their own callings. For more than seventy years, Gospel Temple has stood as a steadfast source of spiritual renewal, growth, and encouragement—joyfully serving as a beacon of strength, compassion, and hope for all who seek God’s love.
(l-r) Rev. Battle stands outside the original church building; church members from in 1950;
Gospel Temple circa 1950; the current church building
GospeL Temple Founders:
Rev. Walter L. Battle & Dr. Willa Grant Battle
Rev. Walter L. Battle and Dr. Wila Grant Battle,
co-founders of Gospel Temple Church
Born on July 1, 1921, in Battle, Mississippi, Reverend Walter L. Battle embarked on his faith journey early, embracing Christianity in childhood and receiving both water baptism in 1933 and the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1938—an experience that shaped the course of his life and ministry.
On July 4, 1941, he married his beloved Willa Lee Grant. Soon after, Reverend Battle answered his country’s call, serving as a Chaplain and Non-Commissioned Officer during World War II, where his dedication to serving others deepened. He was licensed as a minister in 1944 in Los Angeles by Bishop S.M. Crouch and ordained the following year in Lexington, Mississippi by Bishop B.S. Lyle.
Reverend Battle’s path led him to Minnesota in 1946, where he entered North Central Bible College and graduated with a Theology degree in 1950. During this time, fueled by compassion and a pioneering spirit, he founded Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ. His mission work crossed borders, earning him an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from President Duvalier of Haiti in 1965, as well as honorary doctorates from Trinity College in Philadelphia and Payne Academy in Jackson, Mississippi.
More than a founder, Reverend Battle was a visionary—believing that faith in the Lord should inspire kindness and respect for all, regardless of status. His legacy lives on through his unwavering commitment to God and community, awakening faith, equality, and hope that continue to guide and uplift generations.
