Our Rich History

A lighthouse in the middle of the Harrisburg Augusta community!

Bible Deliverance Temple, at times referred to as BDT or "The Temple", was founded out of a rich heritage from the Church of God of Cleveland, TN & the Assemblies of God. A unique church founded as an inter-denominational church dedicated to the belief that God has only one true church which is the body of Christ & is composed of all true born-again believers. Over the years we have endeavored to build bridges instead of walls between God's people.

Our building was built & occupied by two churches prior to our church. The Pentecostal Christian Church of Augusta founded by Rev. Lillie Mathews. Then, the Memorial Baptist Church founded by Rev. William Wiser. Both independent churches but neither successful.

A group of members from the Assembly of God separated themselves & begin having services in one of the members basements. Their desire was to establish a church & acquire a pastor. In 1963 two traveling evangelists started a revival in Augusta, GA in the downtown area in an old Brigham's Grocery Store. One of those ministers was Rev. H. K. McKnight, Sr.

The group decided that they wanted Dr. McKnight to be the pastor of their new church. After prayer, fasting & discussion, Dr. McKnight agreed, if they could find a building for their new church, he would become their pastor. The next day a “For Sale” sign went up in the yard of our current building. The leaders of the group with Dr. McKnight, along with his wife Margaret Corley McKnight, took possession of the property & BDT became a reality.

On October 21, 1963, a petition was entered to the state of Georgia to establish Bible Deliverance Temple, INC. The petitioners were L. C. Corley, Ralph Thompson, J. W. McCarthy, L. W. Belangia, & Dr. H. K. McKnight. The petition was granted on October 24, 1963. At a meeting of the membership the church, By-Laws were adopted on November 3, 1963. The church was established with forty-nine charter members.

The original wooden church building became a children’s Sunday School facility. Today, named the Corley- Cockrell Building, is used as a community Thrift Store.

In the early 1970’s an adjacent property was purchased at 1858 Fenwick St. & after the lot was cleared, a paved parking lot was created for the church. Also, an expansion of the existing building was built as a Fellowship Hall. Today, named the Parker - Ginn Building, it is used for special events & activities.

In 2000, an adjacent property, 1901 Fenwick St., was purchased & a multi-purpose gymnasium built. Today, named the Murray - McKnight Building, it is used for church, neighborhood, & other civic purposes.

Dr. H. Kelly McKnight, Jr. participated in ministry since his youth. On Father's Day 2006, Dr. McKnight, Jr., along with his wife Chastity Hulsey McKnight, became the Senior Pastor of BDT. At the same time Dr. H. K. McKnight, Sr. became the Senior Pastor Emeritus.

In July 2017, the Board of Directors, appointed Rev. James C. “Jimmy” Murray, Jr., along with his wife Delores McKnight Murray, to be the Senior Pastor of Bible Deliverance Temple.

In October 2021, the Board of Directors appointed Rev. Steven Johnson & Rev. Aaron Walden Associate Pastors.

The church & methods have changed but not the mission or the message. The ministry of BDT has always been a diverse one & is now a leader in outreach ministry to the Harrisburg neighborhood of Augusta. The church has active programs for all ages, regardless of race or socio-economic standing. Weekly events offer an opportunity for spiritual, mental & physical growth. The pastors & the Board of Directors are together in the goal of expanding our tent. We are starting new programs & reviving old programs all to be a service to the kingdom & our neighborhood, the Harrisburg community.

Our ministry is annually instrumental in providing over 10,000 free meals. Also, annually distributing over 100,000 lbs. of food at our weekly give-a-ways. Also, distributing clothes & baby supplies, serving a meal on Thanksgiving Day & Christmas presents assistance for children.

We invite any & all to join us in this Christian ministry. The worship is spiritual, the atmosphere is warm & friendly with everyone welcome. A church where Dr. McKnight Sr. always said, “there are no big I’s or little U’s.” A church dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through worship, music, mission work & fellowship.

From those early days in the old "Brigham Grocery Store" building, the church has grown into a complex in the heart of historic Augusta, GA.