The Collegiate Ministry started in 1977 under the leadership of Pastor Elbert Lee Sheppard (d. 1998). An influx of college students gravitated to his biblical teaching and embraced his emphasis on holiness as a way of life. One of those attending the services was Sharon Devon Welch (d. 2022), a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. In her junior year at Florida State University, she created an ensemble consisting of about six students. These were Debra Cross, Renee Wright (d. 2023), Min. James Ward, Rhett Massey, Janie Whit and Lovie Slade. Melvin Goggins assisted them as a musician. Welch received the endorsement from Pastor Sheppard, and the group soon began singing during Friday night services before his sermons. The group quickly grew into a full choir and thus the Watson Temple Collegiate Choir was born. The choir continued to thrive and realized a wider dimension in the February of 1978 when they did a Black History production called “How I Got Over.” It was characterized by singing, poems, and drama the talents of students were on showcase. Soon, Sharon Welch graduated with her and bachelor’s degree and left in the spring. The choir continued under the capable leadership of Elizabeth Walton, an FSU student, and the pastor’s musician son, Elliott Sheppard, who attended FAMU. The choir did its first spring concert in 1979, one that would continue as a tradition for decades. Other Choir leaders continued the tradition of involving talent students, encouraging them, and in serving their spiritual needs. The collegiate choir was in high demand and became a model for other churches in the city who also established Collegiate Choirs. Other Choir leaders included Elaine Sheppard, Judi Bradley, Sarah Rivers, Voncia Rodgers, Zunia Morris, Denise King, Carla Jordan, Cristin White, Monica Young Wyre and Malachi Gibbs. In addition, Pastor (Bishop) Sheppard established the broader Collegiate Ministries and appointed Celora Douse as President. As she partnered with the choir leader, the ministry saw significant growth in activities and Bible Study. After Pastor (Bishop) E. L. Sheppard’s demise in 1998, his son, Donald Sheppard became pastor continued to support the growth of college students. Other Collegiate ministry leaders included Sharon Sheppard (d. 2023) and now Valeria Singleton. The ministry is committed to the support, well-being, and spiritual growth of college students as they matriculate in the city’s various colleges and universities.