Our History

Full Gospel Temple was established in 1937 and based in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Full Gospel Tabernacle was founded in Shreveport, Louisiana in August, 1937 by Rev. Edith Mae Pennington. The church was organized at that time under the jurisdiction of the Assemblies of God denomination. In 1943 the name of the church was changed to the Full Gospel Temple. In February, 1950, the Full Gospel Temple became independent of the Assemblies of God and formed its own non-denominational organization and corporation, The Plant of Renown, Inc.

Rev. Edith Mae Pennington founded the church after several years on the evangelistic field. She pastored the church from 1937 until her death in 1974. Rev. Marvin W. Patterson, Rev. Pennington’s brother, was Associate Pastor of the church until his death in 1963. Rev. Edith Lorraine Pennington, daughter of Rev. Edith Mae Pennington, was named Pastor of the church in 1974. She remained Pastor of the church until her death in 2021.

Church services were held in various rental locations for the period of 1937-45. In 1945, a church building was erected on the corner of Line Avenue and Pierremont Road. Because of commercial development at this location, property was purchased in 1985 and a new church building was erected. On March 1, 1987, the new church at 5606 Buncombe Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, was dedicated. This is now the current location of the church.

The main thrust of the Full Gospel Temple is intercessory prayer. Its “vision” is a world-wide revival for the last days. When the founder came to Shreveport in 1936 to hold a tent revival she had a vision of a great tidal wave filled with fire. God spoke to her at this time that this was the coming wave of His visitation upon the city of Shreveport. For many years intercessory prayer has been made to see the fulfillment of this vision. Since the initial vision was given, God has expanded it from a revival for the city, the state and the nation, to one that is global in scope. The Full Gospel Temple puts great emphasis on intercessory prayer and the fulfillment of the “vision” God has given.

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FRANCES BROCK CROOK,
ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR

Frances has been a part of the church all of her life. Her parents were charter members of the church.

She has served the church in many areas over the years. She was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the church choir, soloist, and has been an Assistant to the Pastor and Associate Pastor for many years.

Frances was employed by the State of Louisiana for thirty years where she served as Administrative Assistant to the District Director. Ever since her retirement she has worked for the church.

Jacob Maynard, Associate Pastor

Jacob Maynard dedicated his life to the Lord on the first night that he attended the Full Gospel Temple on September 18, 1977 and has been a member since that time.

He has taught the adult Sunday school class for many years while leading Beth Shalom Ministries.

His career, after serving 4 years in the Air Force, has mainly been in the automotive industry for the past 45 years. Recently retired, Jacob began full-time ministry as Associate Pastor.

Gerry Woolman, Pastor

Gerry has been a part of the Full Gospel Temple since his birth in 1954. His parents became members of the church in 1950. The family was faithful in attendance and brought Gerry, his brother, David, and sister Jan to church.
At age 15, Gerry was involved in a very traumatic motorcycle accident and was in the hospital for over one year. He was in critical condition for some time and came close to dying at least four times. When he did leave the hospital, he was on crutches and wearing braces on both legs. The doctors were very pessimistic about his even being able to walk again.

Needless to say, this accident was life-changing for Gerry. Even though he was a good little “church going” boy, it was really the first time God got his attention. From that moment on, his focus on life changed dramatically and he surrendered his life fully to God.

Gerry has served his God and his church in many capacities over the years. He has been a Sunday school teacher, Torchbearer leader, the lead singer in the Torchbearer band, a worship leader, a co-pastor of the church, along with his precious wife, Lynn Starkey Woolman.

Upon the death of the current Pastor, Associate Pastor and his wife, he was thrust into the role of pastor of the Full Gospel Temple. Gerry has worked in the secular field as an operations manager for ORR Cadillac in Shreveport, Louisiana for the past 35 years. He has just recently retired from this position to become a full-time Pastor of the church.