Missionary Temple CMEC · San Francisco

Who We Are.

We are a family of faith rooted in 81 years of community, worship, and service in San Francisco's Western Addition — and we're still growing.

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Our Foundation

Mission & Vision

At Missionary Temple CME Church, we believe that life is richer when we walk together. In the heart of San Francisco — where diversity is celebrated but belonging can feel rare — we are a place to pause, be known, and be loved.

Our Mission

To Reach, Teach,
and Develop.

We are a Christ-centered church committed to reaching the lost, teaching the Word, and developing disciples who transform their families, community, and city through the love of Jesus Christ.

Our Vision

A Church That Builds
Generations.

We envision a thriving, multigenerational community of faith — rooted in San Francisco's Western Addition — where every person finds belonging, healing, and purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Story

81 Years of Faithful Presence.

Since 1945, Missionary Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has stood as a spiritual anchor in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood. What began as a small gathering of faithful believers has grown into a vibrant community of worship, service, and kingdom impact.

Through every decade — through change, challenge, and celebration — Missionary Temple has remained committed to one thing: the love of God expressed through the love of people.

81
Years of
Ministry

What We Stand On

Our Core Values

These are the convictions that shape how we worship, serve, and live together as a church family.

01

God's Presence

Authentic, Spirit-filled worship that transforms hearts and lifts our eyes to who God is and what He calls us to become.

02

Family & Community

Life-giving relationships built across generations — where no one walks alone and every person is known, seen, and valued.

03

Biblical Truth

The Word of God is our foundation. We preach it, teach it, and seek to live it — with clarity, courage, and compassion.

04

Service & Justice

Following Jesus means serving our neighbor. We are committed to San Francisco — through Temple Up CDC and every ministry we lead.

05

Legacy & Excellence

We honor those who came before us by building something worthy of those who come after. Everything we do, we do with excellence.

06

Discipleship & Growth

We are not a destination — we are a journey. Every member is called to grow deeper in faith and wider in impact.

What We Believe

Our Beliefs

One God — Father, Son & Holy Spirit

We believe in the triune God — Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer — who is present and active in our lives today.

The Authority of Scripture

The Bible is God's inspired, authoritative Word — the ultimate guide for our faith and our daily living.

Salvation Through Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ died, rose again, and lives today — and that through Him, all people can receive forgiveness and new life.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly, serve faithfully, and reflect the character of Christ in the world.

The Church as Family

The Church is God's design for community — a place of belonging, growth, worship, and mission together.

"We are a people who carry the promise — and in every generation, God is faithful to complete what He began."
Missionary Temple CMEC · Est. 1945
Rev. Alton McGriff, Senior Pastor

Rev. Alton McGriff

Senior Pastor

Meet Our Pastor

Leading with Faith,
Fire & Purpose.

Pastor Alton serves as the Senior Pastor of Missionary Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California — a congregation he leads with a prophetic voice, a pastoral heart, and a deep love for God's people.

Known for his narrative, Spirit-filled preaching style, Pastor Alton brings the Word of God to life with power, clarity, and celebration. His sermons are rooted in scripture, shaped by the African American preaching tradition, and applied to the real lives of the people he serves.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Alton serves as Executive Director of Temple Up CDC, a community development organization that extends the ministry of Missionary Temple into the streets of San Francisco. He also serves as a hospice chaplain — carrying the ministry of presence to those in their most sacred hours.

He is married with children, and together they model a life of faith, family, and service.

Senior Pastor Executive Director, Temple Up CDC Hospice Chaplain Fatherhood Cohort Facilitator

Our Leadership

The Team Behind the Mission.

Behind every great church is a great team — men and women devoted to serving God's people with excellence, integrity, and love.

🙏

First Lady

Pastoral Family

🎵

Music Director

Worship & Arts

📖

Minister of Education

Discipleship & Teaching

🌱

Youth Director

Next Generation Ministry

Our History

A Legacy Built Over Generations.

1944

The Vision Begins

Mrs. Rossie T. Hollis was invited by Mrs. Ether R. Jackson and Mrs. Elizabeth Frazier to come to San Francisco to explore the possibility of organizing a CME Church in the city. The first monies toward this project were deposited by the Women's Missionary Connectional Council. The first home for the new mission was located at 1819 Sutter Street. As a tribute to the Missionary women, the late Bishop R. A. Carter suggested the name "Missionary Temple."

April 2, 1945

Missionary Temple Is Founded

Rev. Dr. F. L. Lewis called the first organizational meeting at the Booker T. Washington Community Center, 2031 Bush Street, San Francisco. Charter members included Frank A. Smith, Catherine Robinson, Anita Robinson, Ether R. Jackson, George Jackson, Elizabeth C. Frazier, and others. Rev. L. T. Taylor served as the first acting pastor. The Emanuel Church of God in Christ opened its doors for worship on Sunday afternoons while a permanent home was secured. Rev. E. C. Washington was appointed pastor in September 1945 and served until May 1949 — under his leadership the purchased property was reconstructed and the debt liquidated.

1949

A Permanent Home on Golden Gate Avenue

Rev. Ulysses L. Washington (September 1949 – August 1956) led the congregation in purchasing the present site of the church at 1455–1475 Golden Gate Avenue from the United Presbyterian Church at a cost of $110,000 — securing Missionary Temple's permanent home in the Western Addition.

1956 – 1963

Burning the Mortgage

Rev. L. R. Kibler led the membership in the historic burning of the mortgage on the Golden Gate Avenue property. Extensive remodeling was also undertaken during his tenure, modernizing the church facility.

1963 – 1966

Organizing for Growth

Rev. H. Holton Collins (1963–1965) reorganized church programs and established committees to inspire greater membership involvement. Rev. Jonah Parker (1965–1966) recognized the importance of youth participation and opened active roles for young people in the life of the church.

1966 – 1975

The Annual Mammoth Tea & Community Growth

Rev. W. Louis Smith's tenure saw the launch of the Annual Mammoth Tea — a beloved tradition initiated and led by Mrs. Leona Sherrod Williams that united the membership in friendly competition and generated funds to meet conference assessments. The membership roll was revised to reflect a more accurate count.

1975 – 1982

Community Service & Lasting Memorials

Rev. Monroe Woods, Jr. permitted the Day Care Center to use the church to house child care programs for low-income families. The Fellowship Hall was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Ether R. Jackson, whose vision established the church. A Youth Resource Center was dedicated to Ms. Willie L. Warren, and a scholarship was established from the estate of Hortense Frazier for students attending a CME college.

1982 – 1986

Beautification & Renovation

Rev. J. R. McLeod led the "Beautification and Renovation Program" with a goal of $100,000, successfully coordinated by Dr. Lorina Hanberry. An eight o'clock service was established — giving the church two Sunday services — and Bible Study was revived.

1986 – 1989

Expanding Worship & Music

Rev. Dr. Charles De Witt Johnson expanded the music department to include a band that served in regular services. His son Dwayne introduced gospel rap to the local church and district. Rev. Dr. Johnson passed away in the pulpit while delivering a message at a sister church — a testament to his total dedication to ministry.

1989 – 2002

Bible Study, Pastoral Care & Property Expansion

Rev. Dr. Leroy Johnson, Ret. Col., US Army focused heavily on the Word — extending Wednesday Bible Study to include both noon-day and evening sessions. Known for his visits to the sick and shut-in, he brought comfort to the bereaved throughout the community. Under his administration the church also acquired additional property: a three-flat unit adjacent to the church building for future ministry use.

2009 – Present

Rev. Alton McGriff & a New Generation of Ministry

Under the leadership of Rev. Alton McGriff, Missionary Temple has expanded its reach through the launch of Temple Up CDC, the Fatherhood Empowerment Cohort, and deepened community partnerships across the Western Addition. With more than 15 years of pastoral leadership, Pastor McGriff and First Lady Dr. Dori McGriff continue to lead the church into its next chapter — 81 years strong and still growing.

Our Denomination

Rooted in CME Heritage.

Missionary Temple is proud to be part of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church — a historically Black denomination founded in 1870 by formerly enslaved men and women of faith. The CME Church has been a champion of freedom, education, and spiritual empowerment for over 150 years, and that legacy runs through everything we do at Missionary Temple.

1870
CME Church Founded
150+
Years of CME Legacy
80
Years at 1455 Golden Gate
SF
Western Addition, CA

Ready to Be Part of the Family?

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