In March 1945, the flock called Rev. James A. 'Williams as the fifth pastor. Rev. Williams presented this challenge to the congregation: "God has blessed you and put everything within reach. I dare you not to succeed." Under his dynamic leadership, the Church began a three month financial drive that resulted in raising the down payment for the purchase of the current sanctuary. During Rev. Williams’ pastorate, the Church witnessed a phenomenal growth in membership, made physical improvements to the sanctuary, added new features of worship, including Junior Church and an early morning and late evening worship service. Understanding that the influence of Baptist Temple must extend beyond its walls, Rev. Williams and the congregation took an active role in the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Christian Associates of Southwest PA, the NAACP, the Homewood-Brushton Council of Churches and Ministerium, as well as many community activities. Mrs. Rubie McKenzie Williams, the wife of Rev. Williams, established many of the current auxiliaries of the Church. Rev. Williams remained the pastor until he departed this world on October 26, 1985.

After a three year search for a shepherd, the Church extended a call to Rev. Dr. Toussaint King Hill Jr. Rev. Hill began his leadership on December 30, 1988. Under Rev. Hill, new ministries were added, including the Mime, Nursery, and Van to carry out the mission of Baptist Temple Church. Under Dr. Hill’s pastorship, BTC Center Inc. was founded and remains in operation today. The church façade, interior and exterior were renovated. Also Dr. Hill reunited the Homewood churches into the Homewood Ministries and became president of the group. In May 2003, Dr. Hill was hired as an assistant pastor at his family’s church, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Vernard E. Hinton became the seventh pastor of Baptist Temple Church on December 17, 2004. Rev. Hinton dared each member to commit to “Kingdom Purpose.” Rev. Hinton revived Bible Study and focused on bringing in youth and evangelizing in the community. Rev. Hinton also consolidated some smaller ministries in Baptist Temple to make them stronger. In 2006, God called Rev. Hinton to establish a ministry in Texas.

On August 18, 2009, Rev. Rodney Adam Lyde, was called to be the eighth pastor of Baptist Temple Church. His mission for Baptist Temple is based on the Great Commission – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you…”Matthew 28:19, 20. Using that mission, Rev. Lyde developed his vision for Baptist Temple, Vision 2020, and distributed it to the members on January 27, 2010 during the annual business meeting. Vision 2020 calls for Baptist Temple to move with One-Mind, one Body in Christ, accomplishing One Mission, serving One Lord.

The Church is thankful to be at this appointed place and time and to join with you in praising our Lord and Savior who has brought us thus far. We believe that the angelic chorus of our departed loved ones is singing songs of praise with us…for we have kept the faith and held on to the vision of our founders. We have indeed come a long way from the hardy band of five, and moved from a tent to a temple. With God as our light, we shall continue to serve as a beacon of salvation in the Homewood-Brushton community, the City of Pittsburgh and beyond.