History - 1919

The early 20th century Negroes, Colored, Blacks or African-Americans in Dallas increased considerably during the Civil War when many owners brought their slaves to town. Blacks accounted for one out of five residents in Dallas. After the war, the newly freed slaves congregated in the eastern part of Elm Street at Central Avenue, near the intersection of Good Latimer Expressway, and also in the area of Hall, State, and Thomas Streets now known as the Dallas Arts District; Freedman's Cemetery; and City Place. Obeying the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew Chapter 29, in the summer of 1919, a small tent was pitched on Central Avenue near Littlejohn Drugstore. The result of this encampment produced the first company of believers which was later to grow into what is now the congregation of City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Elder Sydney Scott was the evangelist, assisted by his wife and Mrs. Katie Baker of Mosier Valley (now known as Euless, Texas), Laura Moore, and H. Murphy. These dedicated workers labored hard all summer and into the fall of the year. Several members, including Naomi H. Turner, accepted the third angel's message and joined the remnant church. The Seventh-day Adventist Church started in the home of N.H. Turner located at 1112 ½ South Carroll Street. The early beginning of the company of believers numbered about twenty-five. Sister Naomi H. Turner writers, "we loved the truth with all of our hearts."