Temple Baptist Church, established in 1965, has been a beacon for God’s Righteousness in this community for over 50 years. Many folks have faithfully served the Lord throughout these years and we today are committed to upholding those same tenets of the Word of God until His return.

Temple Baptist Church, started by Pastor Bob Allgood, was first called Bible Baptist Church and met in the Pastor’s home on Ingraham Avenue. As the congregation grew, they met for two years in the Oddfellow’s Hall on Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. In 1968, the church purchased 4.3 acres on the corner of Wilkinson and McIntosh Roads for $5,000 and a building was constructed at which time the ministry named was changed to The Temple Baptist Church. Pastor Allgood also started our Christian School which was named Patrick Henry School in 1968. In 1970, a bond issue was floated enabling the church and school to build an Educational Building. Pastor Allgood served here faithfully for six years.

In 1971, Dennis Wheeler became Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church. The church made two land purchases in 1973 which increased the campus size from 4.3 acres to 9 acres. The gym, locker rooms, classrooms, offices, and a maintenance building were added and the name of the school was changed to West Florida Christian School. Pastor Wheeler served faithfully until 1995.

In 1995, Don Weeks became Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church and served until 2000.

In 2001, William Ross became the Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church and went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, November 7, 2004, while preparing for the morning’s services.

In 2005, Rick McGowan became the Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church and served until 2012.

In 2012, Dr. Gene Krachenfels became the Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church following the closing of West Florida Christian School. He is faithfully serving the Lord through the preaching of God’s Word, encouraging the saints, and reaching the lost.

We are grateful for all the Pastors, Staff, and Church Members who have dedicated their lives to see God work through the ministry of the Temple Baptist Church. We look forward to what the Lord has in store for us in the coming days here in Sarasota and invite you to be a part of this great work.