The Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church had its humble beginning in the small wooden structured home of the Reverend Morris Allen, located on Seventh Avenue, in the Historic Ybor City District of Tampa, Florida. During the year of 1891, he and a few of his followers met and decided to formally organize the church.

While church services were being held in Reverend Allen's home, the members made plans to erect a church building. A subsequent committee chose a property located on the corners of Scott and Governor Streets in Tampa, Florida. They informed Reverend Allen of their choice, and he was so pleased that he stated, "Well done! On this rock we shall build our Church."

The first church that was erected was a wooden frame structure. The Pastor and the members were quite spiritually proud of their accomplishment, on behalf of Christ Jesus.

During the subsequent administration of the Reverend R. D. Lewis, the first wooden structure was replaced with one made of brick in 1902. The cornerstone of that church stood on Scott Street and bore the names of the church officers that were instrumental in laying the ground work for erecting that new edifice. They were Brothers R. W. Dupree, W. E. Jordan, J. H. Baker, T. O. Ashley, A. J. Patterson, W. H. Gordon, Sr., C. W. Brown, W. D. Dyles and S. Nealy. This church building served as a source of spiritual inspiration and encouragement for those faithful and for many subsequent generations of ministers, members and the surrounding communities.

During the years, many other Pastors led the congregation of Allen Temple. They include: Reverends R. S. Quarterman, R. D. Lewis, C. S. Long, T. J. Williams, M. D. Potter, J. W. Williams, J. J. Heath, C. H. Boger, J. D. Jennings, G. J. Oates, Sr., G. P. Pierce, W. F. Foster, R. J. Blaine, C. S. H. Hunter, and others.

During the administration of Rev. H. McDonald Nelson, it was realized that there was a need to relocate to another site where there would be an educational facility and ample area for parking. Following the death of Rev. Nelson in July, 1976, Rev. J. W. Burroughs was appointed as Pastor. Soon after beginning his tenure at Allen Temple, Rev. Burroughs appointed a site and building committee with Bro. G. V. Stewart serving as Chairman. Other members included: Brothers Clifford Brady, L. N. Brown, J. Frank Davis and Sisters Minnie Mitchell and Elfa J. Ruffin.

The first contributor of the Building Fund under Rev. Burroughs was Bro. Thaddeus Brown who gave $1000. The first tract of land on which the new edifice was to be built was purchased about two years after the commencement of the building program. Reverend Burroughs served Allen Temple until his death in 1983.

Three pastors followed in the edifice at 1112 Scott Street:

Rev. J. D. Stonom encouraged the membership to develop an attitude of giving more generously toward the financial support of the church in order to realize the goal of building a new church. During his administration, additional land was purchased and an architect was hired to draw plans of the new church. Rev. Stonom was elevated to the office of Presiding Elder.

Under the leadership of Rev. J. L. Denmark, remarkable progress toward beginning construction of the new church was made. More land was purchased. Rev. Denmark was promoted to the position of Presiding Elder.

Rev. John F. Green worked untiringly to lead the membership reaching out within the community, growing ministries within the church and in achieving the objective of building a new edifice for Christ. The present structure at 2101 Lowe Street was completed in 1991.

Rev. Charles Graham was assigned to Allen Temple in 1996 and was instrumental in drawing more than 200 new members to the church during his tenure. He had great vision and organized Project 2003. This project included a building expansion program that would meet the needs of the community and the church during the new millennium.

Before Rev. Graham could complete the project, he was reassigned. Rev. Harry L. Dawkins continued the work on Project 2003 during the year that he served Allen Temple.

Rev. Willie J. Cook was appointed to Allen Temple AME Church at  2101 North Lowe Street, Tampa, Florida 33605, as Pastor in 2001. Under Pastor Cook's leadership, we have seen spiritual souls fed and witnessed the transition birth of many new converts to Christ. Many have been called into the ministry under the dynamic leadership of  Pastor Cook.  The building expansion program is on the horizon. He continues to lead the congregation to build our future on the foundations of our past.