In the Beginning…
In obedience to the heavenly vision, True Vine Temple was established on
November 4, 1996, located at 1531 Russell Street, Orangeburg, South Carolina,
founded by Pastor Jimmy Patterson and First Lady Vera Patterson. However
long before November 4, 1996, God was preparing Elder J.L. Patterson for his
Pastoral assignment through the teaching and preaching of great women and
men of God such as Mother W. M. Haynes, Dr. Julia M. Lakin, Dr. Salley L.
Campbell, and others.
After much fasting and praying Elder Patterson yielded to the heavenly call for
his life. He took a step of faith and established the True Vine Temple Ministry at
its present address.
Observe God’s move! He had a building with little money and nothing to go in
it. But God moved. He touched Dr. M.L. Jacobs’ heart, and her ministry seeded
a pulpit set, a drum set, and enough seats to fill up the sanctuary. Another
ministry seeded a PA system, and another ministry a Hammond Organ. Look at
God move. Philippians 1: 5-6, (For your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now, being confident of this very thing which hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.) Won’t he do it!
In May of 1997, First Lady Vera Patterson was called home to be with the Lord. I
felt that I was suddenly left with a new ministry less than seven months old and
two young girls to raise. The Word makes us to know that…in his favor is life:
weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30: 5)
For almost seven years we were without a first lady, but we were not without
God! God continued to grow and bless the church. God’s promises are true.
Pastor Patterson met Pastor Barbara Langley, who pastored Pentecostal Temple
Church of God in Christ in Bamberg, South Carolina, and true to His word, the
joy that he promised came on December 27, 2003, when they were united in
Holy Matrimony. As with Jabez, God enlarged their boundary. Together they
now have six children and thirteen (13) grandchildren.
After less than thirteen years in ministry TVT went through a transition. Pastor
Patterson and TVT became a part of Saint Matthews Christian Center where he
served as Assistant Pastor under Pastor Vincent Sanders. The transition was a
time of healing and restoration. I am humble and grateful for the time served
under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Sanders.
The compelling purpose of God propelled Pastor Patterson back into pastoral
ship. On August 9, 2015, True Vine Temple with approximately 15 people, held
its first service in his home. The church quickly outgrew the home and had to
find a larger venue to hold service. Pastor Jewell Inabinette of Rehoboth
Outreach Ministry opened their doors for TVT service to be held at their
location. On August 9, 2016, TVT moved back to 1531 Russell Street which was
its original home.
God gave Pastor Patterson a second chance and instructed him not to worry
about building a church, but instead build people. God continues to supply the
ministry with those who have a heart to do a work for the Lord. Little can
become much in the master’s hand. Because the people have a mind to work,
there have been more renovations within the ministry, the sound system has
been upgraded, we have a new baptism pool, the Vera White Patterson
Educational Scholarship Fund has been re-established to help students who
have graduated from high school further their education, the Rodney Anderson
Leadership Award has been established and will be awarded annually to
recognize an individual who exemplifies traits and attributes of a leader and
who has had a positive impact in there school, community, home, and church,
a cross made by Pastor Patterson has been placed within the church, we have
implemented CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and purchased a purification system
to make the church a safer environment, we have also branched out in our
outreach through Facebook, living streaming, and utube in an effort to reach
the masses, and there are many more improvements that have been done to
the house of God. Our theme this year is, “Moving Forward with Divine
Purpose” – Jeremiah 29:11. We are firmly committed to spread God’s plan of
salvation around the world. Our mission is to preach, teach and model God’s
Word to people through the leading of the Holy Spirit for the imminent
appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.