The Vision Begins

Pastor Donald Anthony Gillard, born in Cherryville, NC, to parents Fred and Jacquline Gilliard, was raised in Williamsburg County and graduated in 1980. While living in New York City with a good job, God gave him a powerful vision that would change everything.

Pastor Gillard recalls: "Back in 1991, I was living in New York City when God reached out to me, and I began to seek the Lord with my life. Soon after, the Lord spoke to me through a vision..."

In this vision, he was lifted into the sky, seeing the city far below. He saw himself transported to South Carolina with snow falling around him, led across a field with a glass road and pits of fire beneath it. As he approached his grandmother's home, he saw a man sitting in a chair. God's message was clear: return to South Carolina, and He would reveal His purpose.

Struggling with this decision for months, Pastor Gillard sought guidance through his Pastor, Bishop Bonner, who preached: "If you have a difficult decision to make, go on a ten-day fast and trust the Lord." After fasting for ten days, he heard birds chirping in the subway and office hallways—a miraculous sign you never hear in New York. Without hesitation, he gave his two weeks' notice. When asked about his plans, he simply said: "I just need to trust the Lord."

Community Temple Church Founded

Upon returning to South Carolina with his wife, First Lady Geradline Gillard (united in Holy Matrimony on December 29, 1985), Pastor Gillard was strongly led by the Holy Spirit to start a ministry in his hometown. The journey back was filled with obstacles, but God provided safe passage.

Beginning with door-to-door witnessing, many opened their homes and hearts to the ministry. "The Lord always provided for us, even during the hardest times," Pastor Gillard recalls. As the church grew, certain individuals sought to take advantage, but God's sovereign power delivered the church from their evil plans.

In 1993, the Lord gave Pastor Gillard the name for the church: Community Temple Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One mentor reminded him: "Remember the vision God gave you and write it down, for the vision is for an appointed time." What the enemy meant for evil, God turned into good.

Ministry Growth & Faithful Witnesses

As the ministry grew throughout the mid-1990s, the church family expanded with faithful members joining the congregation. During this transformative period, Pastor Gillard was deeply inspired by Bishop James Sheppard, a beloved spiritual father and mentor whose wisdom and compassion touched countless lives. Bishop Sheppard's decades of faithful service to the Lord provided invaluable guidance to the young pastor.

Alongside him, Mother Dolores Sheppard—a strong mother, firm in teaching and doctrine—helped shape the spiritual foundation of the ministry. Her steadfast faith and nurturing spirit created a solid foundation for many spiritual lives. Together, their legacy of faith, hope, and love continues to inspire all who knew them.

Sunday services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings became the cornerstone of community life. The church wasn't just a place of worship—it became a spiritual family where believers supported one another. During this period, souls were saved, families were restored, and the community witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel at work throughout Williamsburg County.

Building The Foundation

"The Church In The Heart Of The Community With The People Of The Community In Its Heart Where Everybody Is Somebody And Jesus Christ Is Lord."

In 1997, we took the first step in building more than just a church—we laid the foundation for a legacy of hope, faith, and community. This marked the beginning of our journey to create a spiritual home that would serve generations to come. Through determination and divine guidance, construction began on what would become not just a building, but a sanctuary for all seeking spiritual growth and community connection.

Through the challenges of construction and ministry growth, Pastor Gillard learned invaluable lessons in faith. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Psalms 118:8). God used these hardships to make him a better shepherd to His people, teaching him that only the Lord is worthy of complete trust.

A Community Anchor

Throughout the 2000s, Community Temple Church became a pillar in the Cades community. The church building that was completed became a place of refuge, celebration, and transformation. From baptisms to weddings, from revivals to youth programs, the church doors remained open to all who sought the Lord.

Pastor Gillard's leadership continued to inspire members to live out their faith beyond the church walls. Community outreach programs, support for families in need, and partnerships with local ministries demonstrated that the church's mission extended far beyond Sunday morning services. The vision God planted in 1991 was bearing fruit in ways that glorified His name.

A Growing Church Family

Today, our church family has expanded beyond what we could have imagined. United in Holy Matrimony since December 29, 1985, Pastor and First Lady Gillard are blessed with two sons: Anthony Antiwan Gillard, Jr., and Anthony Anterrius Gillard.

What began as a modest gathering has flourished into a vibrant congregation dedicated to worship, fellowship, and community outreach. We continue to build on the vision God gave our founder, Pastor Donald Anthony Gillard, remembering that "the vision is for an appointed time."