Boosting Jesus Groups (BJs)
Who are the BJs?
This group of stalwart Christians is led of the Holy Spirit, guided by the love of God, and sent forth into the world to witness to the faithfulness of Jesus. Many of our groups are among the original founders of Christ Temple. The BJs are a remnant, set aside to provide a foundation for the physical establishment of God’s work, and to serve as an advisor and counselor to generations of leadership at our church. You might say the BJs are the birthmother of Christ Temple, and conscience of this congregation. We are a repository of history, or remembrances. Our mission is to remind the congregation of the vision and purpose of our founders, and to ensure that Christian principles are evident in the evangelical and pastoral work carried out in the name of Jesus. The BJs have long stood as a financial anchor and guarantor for this church, and remains today a resource and ministry of helps in time of need.
What is the BJ organization?
The official name of the organization is ‘The International Gospel Party Boosting Jesus Groups. This organization was established by our founder, Rev. W. Frederic Fisher in 1925. At that time Rev. Fisher was a traveling evangelist who carried the gospel throughout the Southern and Midwestern portions of the United States. His service consisted of a group of musicians who would play hymns and the new form of spirituals called “Gospel Music”. In fact, it has been said that the gospel party was responsible for the introduction of gospel music in Boston and New England. After the music, Rev. Fisher would preach. It has been said that Rev. Fisher was such a powerful and charismatic figure that many were saved under his guidance and sermonizing.
Who were the members of the gospel party?
There were many prominent members during different periods over the years. The preachers, evangelists and musicians include included Rev. Laymont. Hunter, Edward Harris, Ralph Elliot and William Jones. Some of these became leaders and members of Christ Temple. In 1932 the Gospel Party was invited to conduct a series of services at Columbus Avenue AME Zion Church in Roxbury. The response was so great, with hundreds in attendance to hear the word of God delivered by Rev. Fisher, that the group was called to continue here in Boston.
Who was Rev. Fisher?
He was a seminary trained churchman and evangelist, affiliated with the AME Zion denomination. Seeds he planted eventually became established BJ groups in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Rev. Fisher was a visionary and prophetic voice as he called for a return to holiness, for all to recognize Jesus as the only means to salvation, for Christians to fulfill our lord’s call for faithfulness to God and service to mankind.
Rev. Fisher was also a businessman. He recognized that part of the mission, especially of the black church, was to provide for the physical as well as the spiritual well-being of the congregation. You might say he was a precursor to some of the progressive church leaders of today. Certainly, had he lived today he would be considered in the company of a TD Jakes, of an Eddie Long, and locally, of a Bishop Thompson. He created several businesses and provided employment for members of Christ Temple. There are members of this church who can attest to the many opportunities provided through Rev. Fisher’s leadership. Let me cite just a few: he established the BJ press. This operation published pamphlets, religious tracts, and stationery. It also published a weekly booklet called The Boosting Jesus Trumpet. The Trumpet was published from 1939 through 1947. The trumpet eventually became known as The Voice of The Temple. It is now known simply as the voice; it is the church program and missile that Christ Temple uses to this day!
Rev. Fisher also established the BJ beauty salon, the BJ clothing exchange, in 1945 he created the BJ dining room serving nutritious meals to those in need and especially to college students (in those days if you were a black college student at BU or Harvard, you often were denied the right to eat in the college dining hall and usually you could not live on campus).
In 1943, Rev. Fisher, inspired by the Holy Spirit and helped by the members of the BJ groups, secured the 1st BJ house, located at 200 Northampton Street. The purpose of this building was to provide food, shelter and jobs for members and for those in need. Remember, in the 1930s during the great economic depression, there were few jobs especially for black people. And, the soup line that was located outside of Filene’s downtown; well, we were not invited. The BJs provided food, clothing and shelter for our members and for the black community.
Rev. Fisher was also a founding incorporator and officer of the Progressive Credit Union. Again, this was at a time when African Americans had little by way of financial education or financial independence. Even today our communities suffer from a lack of access to capital resources, credit and financial education.
How did Christ Temple begin?
Rev. Fisher established a congregation named The Society of Personal Experience. That society worshipped at the BJ house then located on Northampton Street. During this period Rev. Fisher, his family and the Gospel Party resided at the home of Sis. Lucy Hunter at 119 Warwick Street. Sis. Hunter’s home was the residence of Rev. Fisher for many years. While there, Rev. Fisher established the prayer room which daily early Morning Prayer was held.
In 1934, Rev. Oddous Barber, Minister of a Church called Christ Temple Pentecostal Church, invited the Gospel Party to worship at their rented facilities above, which was known as Estelle’s Bar on Tremont Street in Roxbury, this building now houses a nightclub known as Mirage.
After a period of shared services, and hearing from the lord, the two congregations agreed to merge, thus was born Christ Temple Church of Personal Experience. Rev. Fisher and Rev. Barber shared the responsibilities of the new, combined church and immediately sought to acquire a church home. Rev. Barber became the minister and Rev. Fisher the director of the church.
How was this church purchased, and did the BJs provide the money to purchase Christ Temple?
This building was purchased in 1946, shortly after Rev. Fisher bought the current BJ house on Massachusetts Avenue. The BJs raised money through the sale of bonds and the BJs provided the down payment and the guarantee to allow for the acquisition of these premises.
What does the phrase ‘Go To See Jesus’ mean?
This refers to the Passion play entitled ‘The Open Tomb’ which play the Gospel Party performed annually from 1933 thru 1954. This Easter performance was written, directed and produced by Rev. Fisher and was often held at Symphony Hall, at the New England conservatory’s Jordan Hall and here at Christ Temple. Many remember getting up before day to get to the theater to witness the extravaganza with Rev. Fisher in the title role of Jesus.
At the point of the ascension the audience would gasp in awe as they witnessed Rev. Fisher, his body tied to a guywire; ascend from the stage into the proscenium arch, into heaven. Many remember that impressive scene ‘going to see Jesus’. At that time few African American churches had the vision or the capacity to undertake such an elaborate performance. The costumes and scenery alone cost nearly $10,000. The play brought widespread recognition to the Gospel Party and the BJs, and was a smart spiritual and financial investment by Rev. Fisher as thousands attended the play and exposed to the message of redemption.
Who are the BJs?
Simply put, the BJs are the precursor and the organizational and spiritual foundation upon which this church was built. In obedience to the will of God, the BJs have long served this congregation and this community, providing wisdom, counsel and support for the various ministries and outreach programs of Christ Temple.
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