Temple Beth El
Chief Rabbi Phillip E. McNeil
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1892
The Almighty revealed Himself in a dream to William S. Crowdy on September 13th in Guthrie, Oklahoma This dream served as a blueprint for the religious organization that William S. Crowdy would eventually establish.
1896
Church of God and Saints of Christ was organized and incorporated on November 8th, and Prophet Crowdy established the first Tabernacles in Emporia, Lawrence, and Topeka, Kansas.
1898
Prophet Crowdy organized the Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy, a charitable auxiliary for the women of the organization, on June 26th. At this time, over 23 tabernacles had been organized in the state of Kansas alone!
1899
The first Passover Memorial was observed in Lawrence, Kansas in April. By this year, Prophet William S. Crowdy organized several tabernacles outside of the state of Kansas in such places as Missouri, Illinois, and New York. In May, Prophet Crowdy moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it the organization’s first Headquarters.
1901
Tabernacles were organized throughout the country, especially in the East and the Midwest, converting thousands to our faith. The tabernacle in Philadelphia has a membership of over a thousand.
1903
In June, Prophet William S. Crowdy purchased 40 acres in Belleville (Suffolk), Virginia, which would later serve as the International Headquarters for the congregation. Prophet Crowdy also sent an emissary to establish the religious organization in Africa. Shortly after, tabernacles were established in Cuba and the West Indies.
Prophet Crowdy later set up the Union Choir Organization and the Department of Sabbath Schools, and he relocated to Washington, DC.
1906
In April at the Passover, the institution of our royal Blue and Brown Uniforms took place in Plainfield, New Jersey. The wearing of uniforms during various services was initiated by Prophet Crowdy to eliminate the emphasis on social or economic class. Also, at this Passover, Prophet Crowdy selected Chief Evangelist Joseph W. Crowdy, Evangelist William H. Plummer, Grand Father Abraham, and Elder Calvin S. Skinner, Counselor as future leaders of the congregation.
1908
Chief Joseph W. Crowdy assumes leadership at the demise of Prophet Crowdy in August.
1917
Until his demise on January 1, Chief J. W. Crowdy continued to preach the gospel and promote the work of the Prophet. Bishop William H. Plummer assumed leadership and moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Philadelphia.
1919
Bishop William H. Plummer transferred headquarters from Philadelphia, PA to Belleville (Suffolk), Virginia.
1923
By this time under the leadership of Bishop Plummer, Belleville had grown to become one of the elite African American communities in the Tidewater, Virginia area with a variety of farmlands, trades, athletic teams, and a-cappella singing groups! Also by this time, the Belleville Industrial School and Widows and Orphans Home was incorporated.
1931
After the demise of Bishop William H. Plummer, Counselor Calvin S. Skinner consecrated Elder Howard Z. Plummer as leader of the organization on December 28th. By this time, the Men and Women’s Developing Association (M&WDA) was organized.
1938
The Young People’s Improvement League (YPIL) was organized this year, and we first observed Founder’s Day on November 8th (now called Re-establishment Day).
1945
The Belleville Industrial School and Widows and Orphans Home received a permanent license.
1960’s
In the early 1960’s, the congregation under the leadership of Rabbi Howard Z. Plummer began to more fully embrace Judaism. Previously, the congregation practiced and adhered to some of the basic tenets of Judaism, however, did not use the terminology. Since that time the congregation has observed more of the customs and holidays mandated in the Torah.
1969
A national brotherhood, the Sons of Abraham was organized.
1975
Rabbi Howard Z. Plummer passed the mantle of leadership to Rabbi Levi S. Plummer in March.
1980
By this time, Belleville Meadows, an apartment complex in Suffolk, VA, was completed. Rabbi Levi S. Plummer headed the construction of Phase One of the Temple Complex, Temple Beth El, in October 1979. Phase One was dedicated on November 8, 1980.
1987
Phase Two of Temple Beth El was completed and dedicated at the Passover in April. By this time, the Experienced Citizens Industrial and Entertainment Center (ECIEC) was organized by Rabbi Plummer.
1989
William H. Plummer Plaza, a 52-unit senior housing community, was erected in October.
1992
The Centennial Era begins as the congregation celebrated the Centennial Celebration of Prophet William S. Crowdy’s Revelation on September 11-13 in Belleville. At this sacred occasion, The Saints’ Memorial, a monument commemorating the purchase of Belleville by Prophet Crowdy, was dedicated.
1996
On August 30th – September 1st, the congregation celebrated the Centennial Celebration, commemorating the 100th anniversary of our religious organization. The Levi Solomon Plummer Learning Center, a children’s day-care center, was opened in September serving the Hampton Roads, VA area.
1997
At the Passover, Rabbi Levi S. Plummer announced Project 2001, a 5-year fund-raising plan for the redevelopment of Belleville, our International Headquarters in Suffolk, Virginia.
1998
The Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy celebrated its 100th Anniversary in August.
1999
In October, over a thousand members and friends joined the Philadelphia, PA Tabernacle for their 100th Anniversary Celebration since their inception by Prophet William S. Crowdy.
2000
The official web site of our organization, located at the URL https://www.cogasoc.org was launched during the Opening Session of the General Assembly on August 6th.
2001
Project 2001 culminates on August 11th with a grand banquet. The Suffolk Planning Commission and City Council pass the project design in September.
2001
Rabbi Levi S. Plummer passes away on November 18th. Rabbi Jehu A. Crowdy, Jr. assumes the leadership.