History

Temple Christ Messiah (TCM) is a Historic Christian Church. We are non-denominational, Bible believing and Evangelical. Our mission is to proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and to faithfully proclaim the truths of God’s Word while serving one another in love. TCM was founded in 1987 by Rev. Joel F. Botelho – a devoted student of God’s Word, a gifted Pastor-Teacher, and passionate soul winner. Pastor Joel faithfully shepherded TCM for 37 years. Under his leadership, ‘the Lord added to the Church’ regularly and it grew from a small group of believers meeting in homes, to an established ministry with Biblical leadership and a faithful congregation. With the blessing of God and the wise stewardship of the Board of Presbyters, TCM was able to save enough capital to purchase the lot at 339 Carver Rd. in Plymouth, MA. The building project began shortly thereafter. In January 2004 we moved into our new Church home. One of the hallmarks of Pastor Joel's ministry was the faithful expository preaching and teaching of God's Word. His sermons were packed with Theological truth, passionately delivered and applied to daily life. His preaching/teaching drew souls from a wide part of Southeastern Massachusetts & beyond. In 1990 Pastor Joel was led by the Lord to found Apostolic Christian Theological Seminary (ACTS Seminary) where he taught preachers & others interested in studying the Scriptures, the systematic theology of the Historic Christian Church. TCM has always been thoroughly Bible-centered in ministry and mission. As a wise & selfless minister, Pastor Joel always had a forward-looking vision to raise up preachers to carry on the work of the ministry until the Lord comes. In the spirit of 2 Tim.2:2, he both taught men how to study and learn biblical doctrine, but also provided ministry opportunities for them to serve and develop their gifts and calling in the context of the local Church. TCM has always had lay-preachers who were gifted by God to minister to the congregation. On April 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, and 41 yrs in Pastoral ministry, Rev. Joel F Botelho went to be with His Lord Jesus Christ and to his eternal reward. Like the Apostle Paul, and so many great men of the faith who have gone before him – ‘he fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith!’ – 2 Tim.4:7. He was a beloved Pastor-Teacher and is sorely missed to this day. In the summer of 2024, the Lord called Mark MacKenzie to be the next pastor of TCM. Mark was saved in July 1988 and shortly after felt a call to ministry. He enrolled in (ACTS) and learned how to study and preach God's Word under the guidance & oversight of Pastor Joel. Mark is married to Niki (Botelho) MacKenzie, and has 5 children. His vision is to continue the faithful exposition of God's Word and to minister to the Lord's people. 2 Cor.4:5 captures the ministry goals that Pastor Mark envisions for TCM – ‘For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake’. Our ministry style is traditional/reverent while enjoying a loving/familial atmosphere. If you’re looking for a church where Christ is exalted and His word is given preeminence, join us for a worship service or a mid-week prayer meeting. We would love the opportunity to minister to you and tell you more about our amazing Savior!