Early history

According to public records, the east side of Elmira, New York maintained its largest population of citizens between the 1930's and its greatest concentration of a single ethnic group: mainly Eastern European Jews. At that time the non-Jewish population was evenly divided between Roman Catholic and Protestants of varied European backgrounds. Although historical records mention some African-American families settling in the Elmira area after the Civil War and a scattering of Blacks present in the community during the intervening years, it was not until after the Great Depression and into the early World War II years that Blacks became a substantial part of the community.

Indeed the east side of Elmira has rich cultural history of individuals from varied religious backgrounds. Regardless of ethnicity or religious experiences, spiritual cohesiveness has always existed and continues to be respected and valued among Elmira's east side residents. One example of such religious cohesiveness was demonstrated in 1958 when the old Jewish Synagogue on Orchard Street was offered for sale. Although higher bids were submitted for commercial purposes, the board voted to sell the synogogue to Pastor Hughey's father, the late Elder Leo Hughey, Sr. The significance of the decision gave inspiration and hope to the fledgling ministry. The building could accommodate over 500 parishoners, thus making Faith Temple the largest black sanctuary in Elmira.

The Update

In July 1992 Rev. Leo Hughey revealed his dream to build another sanctuary for the 21st Century - one that would accommodate 1,000 parishoners. For the dream to become a reality, the membership had to express a willingness to support the vision and to give unselfishly to the building fund. Each family was asked to sacrifice $3,000. The Dreamer never stopped dreaming. He never doubted the Lord, even when the weekly contributions toward the building were perhaps disappointing. Within five years six properties were purchased, the giving increased, the membership grew exceptionally, in preparation for the construction.

The building's shell was erected by a contractor, but the pastor directed the completion of the interior himself! All of the details: the oak trim, the lighting, the walls, the Founders Wall, the lobby, the Hall of Fame, the bathrooms, were done by the pastor, and much more...the dream is as an oasis on the eastside of Elmira.