The Annual ADT Convocation time is always an exciting time for me as the Pastor of the Apostolic Deliverance Temple. Memories of our early days of the church services where the anointing of the Holy Ghost fell on and showered the people of God. It has now been 47 years since July 4, 1976, when we began. The word Apostolic is befitting because we follow the Apostles doctrine in the same manner as it was on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost fell on the 120 souls that gathered in the Upper Room on the 1st Pentecost. Deliverance is befitting because one can come and get delivered by the word of God, anointing of blessed oil and laying on of hands of the sick, speaking in tongues to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, deliverance and casting out of devils, demons and evil spirits. The word temple is befitting because the church is a building for worship and praise.
And for everything he allows there's a reason. The devil meant it for bad, but I'm so glad God meant it for my good. The words to this song as sung by Dottie Peoples.These words are true for the initial 27 souls that were in attendance when the Apostolic Deliverance Temple Church of Jesus Christ (ADT) began following the doctrine of the Apostles on the day of Pentecost.
The ADT church began to grow, and souls were saved by the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Holy Ghost fell and the presence of God filled the sanctuary. The first services were held in the Lemoyne Gardens Auditorium. Under the leading of God, I, Apostle Maples and the members relocated to a former daycare to hold the services. As the church grew by adding more members, God directed me to purchase the building at 306 S. Parkway East in Memphis, Tennessee. The building was previously a building of ill repute, but with the leading of God it became a building of righteousness and a house of prayer because the saints physically tore down the walls of the building and rebuilt the house of God. The church was known as “The Church Under the Bridge” because of the location which was beside the bridge (overpass). And the rest is history, it is now 47 years later. Many souls have repented, many souls have been baptized in Jesus Name and many souls have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Many miraculous testimonies of healing and deliverance have occurred and been told time and time again.
I continue to be humbly grateful and thankful for the leading of Jesus Christ as God leads and directs me to preach his word to the people of God. Those who are sheep will hear his voice and receive the word of the Lord.
I invite all to come to our Anniversary services June 26 – 30th. July 2nd is the 47th anniversary where the word of God will be preached under the leading of God, the saints will be rejoicing in the beauty of holiness.Yours in Christ,
Apostle Perry Maples, Jr.
Apostle Perry Maples, Jr.