Allen Temple Baptist Church

My visit to the Allen Temple Baptist Church this morning was for one of my high school classmates (Class of 1969 Oakland Tech High School) who passed away last month.
The memorial service was different from others I have attended. African drums being played, scriptures being read and gospel songs being sung to uplift the spirits.
My classmate, Rhonda, was being memorialized for her many contributions to the community of Oakland. A proclamation was read by the Honorable Mayor Jean Quan, and there were many other proclamations and acknowledgments of Rhonda. The celebration of her life was indeed a tribute to her.
Though this church is not as lavish as others, what was important were uplifting messages, prayers and songs being delivered, the bringing together of her family and friends to celebrate her life and to share the many wonderful memories of a beloved minister.
This church also serves the East Oakland community very well, standing their ground in social justice and social programs.
I thank you — the ministers of Allen Temple BC — for your kindness and your prayers for a wonderful human being, a phenomenal warrior woman.

I love this church, they go out and do gods work in the community. I went for the first time last year for national human trafficking day with my family. The pastor @ people are all so welcoming. The music gave me chills! I think they are on a radio station live as well. The pastor is amazing he has some books out that are about real life growing up in Oakland and the struggles it can have. He is definitely involved and very open to helping you out even if he doesn’t know you. This is not my home church but if I didn’t already have one this would be it! Also since it can be a sketchy area sometimes they have security guards, it’s great!

This church reminded me of my home church. It is a really good church! The sermon was EXCELLENT! They had a guest speaker who talked about family roots and being rooted in Christ. I would have to agree with one of the other reviewers, though, it did have a «commercial» feel at times. I would have to go back to visit and get to know some of the people to test «realness.» ;-)

I visited this church on a few occasions and I liked the fact that they were very organized and gave clear direction to the congregation. This church goes to live radio/​TV at a certain time on Sundays and I can see and feel how there is a shift in energy by the leaders/​choir members in the church. It seemed pretty commercial at times which did not set right in my spirit. This church is doing a ton of great things in and for the community and that is something that I love. I also like that fact that local publishing (newspapers and such) were easily found and available inside of the congregation. It seems they are totally geared towards supporting and giving back to the community and it is refreshing to see that. I pray that God will continue to keep his presence near this church and align all of the churches purposes and plans along with what the bible asks of the church to do in the book of Acts.

Welcome to Oakland, as it should be.
In a land overburdened be liquor stores, check cashing places and social constructs devised to keep the oppressed… oppressed, Allen Temple Shines as a beacon of hope (OK, I’m getting cheesy)
This place has such a rich history that ties into the Civil Rights movement and even the Black Panther Party. Until today, Allen Temple not only serves as a center for faith, but as a community builder. At any given day, there are dozens of programs going on in its vast halls that empower and motivate the youth. *I swear, I’m not reading this from a brochure or anything*
This summer, I’m participating in the College Track and Digital Media program for middle school kids in the neighborhood. I can see the difference that this place makes. They are helping cultivate a culture of knowledge and empowerment that helps the community grow in a collective light. All the kids in my College Track program want to go to Harvard, and even at the age of 12, they’re already pursuing the means it takes to get there. The Digital Storytelling program really helps each child find their «voice» through different facets of literacy. From reading & writing to other means of expression and the symbolic creativity of humanity. I cannot gush about this place enough.
In the words of one of my students, Shandrea «So it’s not a good thing to go dumb? Yeah, ima get my learn on».
Get it girl.