Elder Maggie Pierce
Senior Pastor
Maggie Rudd Pierce was born and reared in Hollister, North Carolina. She graduated salutatorian of her high school class in 1985 and went on to pursue higher education at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. There, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business with a concentration in Finance in 1989 and a Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling in 1992. She is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity Degree with a concentration in Chaplaincy at Regent University.
Maggie accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life (September 13, 1987) and joyfully received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. She was licensed to preach in 1993 and was ordained as an Elder, by the United Holy Church of America, in 2004. Preaching and teaching God's Holy Word and taking care of her family are Maggie's greatest joys in life. She married her best friend, Steven Pierce, on December 23, 1988 and is the proud mother of four wonderful children.
Maggie served as Co-Pastor of Holy Temple United Holy Church, Chesapeake, Virginia, alongside her husband, from 1991 until 2010 when Pastor Steve suffered a stroke. To add to her testimony, about the power of God, Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer six months after her husband’s stroke but testifies that God has blessed both of them with His gracious healing touch. Since December of 2010, Elder Maggie has served as the Senior Pastor of Holy Temple and has led in the building of a new church edifice and the transforming of the former edifice into a Multipurpose Center. In 2013, Holy Temple officially elected Elder Maggie to serve as their Senior Pastor. Pastor Maggie Pierce is grateful to be one of the trailblazers of women in ministry, to till new ground, wade in the waters and to serve God’s people. Elder Maggie is committed to doing "God's Will, God's Way."
Elder Steven Pierce
Co-Pastor
Pastor Steve was born and reared in Jennings, Florida. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, he served in the United Stated Marine Corps for 4 years as an Intelligence Specialist. After the service, he served as an accountant for 17 years with the United States government. Before retiring from his government career at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Customer Service Group (NAVFAC CSG) Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) in Norfolk, Virginia-he served 6 years as Director of Accounting. He also attained a Master of Divinity Degree from Regent University's School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Steve accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior early and joyfully received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Jennings, Flordia. He was licensed to preach and ordained as an Elder by the United Holy Church of America in Greenville, North Carolina under the tutelage of the late Bishop E. Ralph Love, Sr. Pastor Steve served as Senior Pastor of Holy Temple Church for 20 years (April 1991-November 2010) until his health failed. Steve was working towards his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University until he took ill with a stroke during that time. He completed 48 hours of his Doctoral Studies then, and is now in the Chaplaincy program as God has given him new direction while recovering from the effects of the stroke. He has served the Body of Christ as a Pastor, Preacher, Teacher, National Conference Speaker, and Workshop presenter. Pastor Steve is married to Elder Maggie Pierce who now serves as Holy Temple's Senior Pastor. They have been married since December 23, 1988 and are blessed with four wonderful children-Matthew (Amber), Luke (Tia), Abi, and T.J.
Pastor Steve still serves Holy Temple Church as a Senior Pastor and as a trusted advisor/leader on the Pastoral team. He is faithful and dedicated to "Doing God's Will, God's Way." He is very passionate about ensuring that people hear the gospel, grow to maturity, and become bold, courageous believers whose lived reflect the heart and character of God. He is an excellent example of Godly perseverance to all who are blessed to know him. His hard work and faithful dedication to being the best he can be is a tremendous blessing to many who, like him, have suffered great trials and tribulations. His advice to all is "begin again and use what you've got."