Our founding pastor and visionary was the late Robert Louis Kimball. A native of Atlanta, Georgia he accepted Christ at a very early age.  He was a humble and gifted servant, whose life was devoted to service unto God and His people.

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Pastor Kimball served honorably as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, where he served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.  His education included an Associate of Arts Degree in Commercial Art from Dekalb Technical College and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from New Living Ministries, which recognized his life's work in ministry.

 

In 1973, he attended classes at National Divine Spiritual Church.  There he was given spiritual instruction under the direction of the late Bishop Hiram O'Neal.  He was also taught by the late Reverend Mother and Overseer Sarah Coleman of St. Mark Spiritual Church.  He was ordained to minister the gospel by Bishop Albert Martin in 1975.  In 1976 and 1977, he served at the St. Mark Spiritual Church under the leadership of Overseer Coleman.  In the early 1980's  he also ministered under a standing engagement  at  the Emmanuel Holy Temple under the leadership of the late Overseer Minnie Sharlow.  He then began teaching classes in wisdom.

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In 1981, the Spirit of God led him to start a ministry in Washington, DC.  After ministering for several years, he opened a Christian counseling center on Dill Avenue in Southwest Atlanta.  Through his service, the Lord revealed to him the Temple of Hope Church.  He immediately prayed and the Lord directed him to 898 McDaniel Street, Southwest where with the help of the Lord he remodeled the building, every nail, board and screw.

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The members of the Temple of Hope very affectionately gave him honor as Dr. R. L. Kimball.  Overseer Kimball had been a student of the faith for many years and was ordained to not only to minister but to also provide spiritual guidance, prophetic vision, and  physical and psychological counseling through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  In addition to ministry, Overseer Kimball was a phenomenal artist and musician.  He was the artist who painted the cross currently housed in the Temple of Hope.

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Under the leadership of Overseer Kimball the Church continuously grew.  It was under Overseer Kimball’s direction that on October 13, 2005, the church made a full purchase the building in which we are currently housed.  The Lord further blessed us, by providing a means for us to totally renovate the building. 

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After more than 40 years of ministry and more than 30 years of leadership, Overseer Kimball passed away in January 2018. The Temple of Hope was blessed with a dedicated and humble servant.  As a caring overseer, husband, father and grandfather, Overseer Kimball truly gave his life to the building of God’s ministry.