In 1976 a seed was planted and sown at the home of the late Evangelist (Mrs) I Clarke in the form of a prayer meeting. Later becoming a member of the Church of God Pentecostal – of which Bishop U.T. Thomas (then Deacon) was a founding member alongside his cousin the late Bishop L. Crossfield (founder). Several leaders over the years were assigned to establish the ministry; however, all efforts to get the Church fully operational were unsuccessful.
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February 1978: Church Launch
A prophetic word was given by the late Bishop W.A. Shaw (one of most respected church leaders of his time) "that no church would be established in Slough unless Pastor Thomas was the Pastor." Sometime later, a group of ministers (which included: the late Bishop Ruben Thomas and Overseer Marshall) within the Church of God Pentecostal fellowship approached Revd U.T. Thomas to become the minister for the Slough assembly. Following prayerful deliberations, Revd U.T. Thomas agreed to take up the position supported by his wife, late Missionary W. Thomas, children and family.
The Church kicks off renting at Cippenham Community Centre, then moved to Langley Community Hall before renting the United Reformed Church in Chalvey (which we would go onto to purchase then totally redevelop).
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December 1989: Faith Temple Church
After years of unresolved misunderstandings, Slough assembly separated with Church of God Pentecostal and restructured as 'Faith Temple Church of God Pentecostal.'
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January 1990: Purchasing Church Building
One of the most significant challenges faced and won was the purchase of our church edifice – purchasing our church building from the Unified Reformed Church: 47 Chalvey Road West, Chalvey, Berkshire. The Church owes a debt of gratitude to the late Missionary W. Thomas for her tenancy and determined efforts here. The late Apostle M.A. Ramsey, Prelate, Church of God Worldwide Mission, presided the church opening service, and the late Bishop Ruben Thomas, prelate, Faith Tabernacle - the dedication prayer.
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Year 2001: Development Begins
We embarked upon another significant journey, to redevelop our church site with the erection of an entirely new three-storey 300 seat church: which was the vision and inspiration of our Overseer (then Pastor) Anthony Thomas. Though we experienced immense setbacks, challenges, and disappointments building the new Church, we believed God who hath started this great work in us would complete it – this was a significant milestone!
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Year 2006: Moved In
The occasion was marked by us moving back into our newly built church facility – this was indeed an incredible moment and another milestone!
Pastor Anthony Thomas was formally ordained and asked to serve as Pastor (though he was already serving since 1992 as Assistant Pastor, and then in 2002 as Executive Pastor).
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Year 2007: General Overseer
Revd U.T. Thomas was consecrated to the Episcopal as General Overseer.
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Year 2008: Church Dedication
The new Church was dedicated unto the Lord – what a blessing and another glorious milestone. A number of the achievements mentioned above and milestones were published in the local and national newspapers. We cannot share these milestones without mentioning the following persons: Mother P. Jamaire, Evangelist J. Fenton and Exhalter E. Fleming – all now deceased: but we honour them for their faithfulness in the journey.
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Year 2013: Church Covering
The first Church to come under our covering – Pastor Loretta Marshall, Shepherds Bush.
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Year 2014: Church Covering (Part 2)
The ministry received two other sister churches under its supervision and covering – ‘Church of God Assembly’, Harrow & Neasden – Pastor Joy Pratt and Pastor Burlett Brown.
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Year 2017: Overseer Rev A Thomas
Overseer U.T. Thomas's episcopal license was changed to "Bishop", and Revd Anthony Thomas was appointed to the Episcopal as "Overseer".
Pastor Sarah Thomas was ordained and appointed co-Pastor. Additionally, Sis Ruby Matthews and Sis Valerie Castry - Slough; Evangelist Thomas - Harrow and Missionary MacDonald - Shepherds Bush were consecrated as ministers and officers.
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Year 2019: Church Rebrand
Initial architects drawing for a new church and/or flats have been completed?
Faith Temple has rebranded to use the acronym "FT Church". -
Year 2020: Missionary Thomas
One of the pioneering persons, Missionary Thomas, is promoted from' labour to reward' to Glory.
Bishop U.T. Thomas stands down from all active ministry positions; his designation is adapted to "emeritus" status. -
Year 2021: Full Time Ministry
Pastoral full-time ministry commenced
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Year 2022: Book Launch
Our presiding Overseer launches his first book "Breaking Limitations Finding Freedom.'
The Church has been blessed to have baptisms and received numerous prophecies; saints received their healing and debt-free.
FT Church Ministries has been truly blessed over the past 40+ years; we have a rich foundation to build upon and are significantly challenged to expand and advance the work of the Kingdom of God by empowering and fulfilling the needs of the local Church and beyond!
Thanks in advance for your continued prayers of this ministry, as we strive to attain the purposes of God for which we have been called!
