Our History

In the early 1950’s, the late Rev. Beatrice Lamonte gathered seven young people who had a deep desire for more of the Lord just like her. This small group began meeting on a hillside to pray and wait on God. During the winter months, they gathered at her home until the Lord led them to a small building in McKeesport in 1953. They rented the building for $50/month. Beatrice never set out to start a church, but before long, the group was having regular services, and many came to experience God’s power. The church, Temple of Faith, began in 1955 with Beatrice as its pastor.

Pastor Lamonte stepped into the pulpit at a time when a woman’s calling was typically confined to teaching Sunday school or playing the piano. At the beginning of her ministry, she endured many prejudices but endured through the tough times as much fruit was being produced and lives were being changed. While pastoring, she held a full-time job at A&P Grocery, was holding multiple services, attended fellowship groups, and was working to meet the needs of her young congregation. Some of her greatest seeds were planted while having a weekly service for children in the Burns Heights housing complex in Duquesne.

2710 5th Ave., McKeesport, PA

2710 5th Ave., McKeesport, PA ~ Former Location

In 1962, the Lord opened the door for Temple of Faith to move to its second home—a storefront building at 2710 Fifth Avenue in McKeesport. That same year, the church was officially incorporated with the state of Pennsylvania. Much hard work and renovation went into the building as God continued to move in this congregation. Numerous miracles happened as many came to know the Lord.

In 1964, sixty drug addicts came from New York City and stayed at the church as they turned their lives over to the Lord and were delivered from the bondages of addiction. During this time, Pastor Lamonte was involved in helping these recovering addicts write a book, cut a record, and make a film called, “Way Out.” Many of these former addicts went on to become ministers including the late Bishop John Gimenez from the Rock Church of Virginia Beach. Another example includes early member, Dorothy Marks, who married Gary Piovesan and served 25 years in Papua New Guinea as a missionary family. Early member, Vonnie Freeman, was called to the mission field of South Africa in 1971 and served there until her death in 2010. Temple of Faith continues to have a special connection to South Africa and has financed the building of multiple churches in that country.

Our founding pastor, Rev. Beatrice Lamonte

In 2004, the Temple of Faith congregation outgrew their storefront location and moved to their third and current home at 1108 Jamison Avenue in North Versailles. This larger facility provided better parking, a convenient location off Route 30, room for growth, and an opportunity to host annual conferences. In 2013, Pastor Bea passed the baton to Pastors Samuel and Leah who currently lead the church. Dr. Bruce Zarnick serves as the church secretary and treasurer. Pastor Bea transitioned to her heavenly home in 2020 but leaves behind a tremendous legacy. Our founding pastor will never be forgotten!

Temple of Faith is a non-denominational church led by the pastors with support and guidance from a board of appointed elders and deacons. We have maintained the same vision since our beginning—to be a place where Jesus is changing lives!