83. Ray’s Temple Church Of God, In Christ

Coordinates: 40°02’15.39”N 76°17’40.71”W

Introduction: Formerly called the Church of God in Christ, Ray’s Temple congregation was organized by Elroy Ray, the first pastor.  The Church of God’s headquarters is located in Memphis Tennessee. The original church location was at 508 North Street until 1938, when the property was sold to a recreation association.  The Church was then moved to former Israel Synagogue at South Duke and Chester Streets in 1964.  When the synagogue was removed by the Lancaster Redevelopment in 1971, Ray’s Temple congregation acquired a Lutheran Church at South Ann and East End streets in 1971

Present Condition: When I arrived to the location I could automatically assume that the building was used for religious purposes due to the large stained glass windows, and cross shape windows at the front entrance.  From the exterior one could assume that there was strong support from the community to keep the church running. The church was built from stone like many classic style Lutheran churches and also had a steeple to house bells.  There were many religious symbols of the cross on the building, including the large stone cross on the top of building at the entrance.  The interior was interesting because it looked like it had been renovated once or twice since it was built because everything inside looked remotely new.  I could not get any good shots of the interior because it was very dark in the church other than a light shining up on the large stain glass window at the front of the church.