About Temple of Light CSL
"I would like to see Truth spread throughout this entire region..."
The Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living was founded by Rev. Dr. Elma Lumsden, whose journey into the Science of Mind began through the mentorship of Dr. Raymond Charles Barker while she was serving as a nurse in the United States. Upon her return to Jamaica, she felt a deep call to share this transformative philosophy. What began as small study group sessions on the veranda of her home quickly blossomed into a growing spiritual community.
A Brief History of The Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living
The Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living was founded on July 1, 1981. Initially registered as the Kingston Church of Religious Science, it was affiliated with the United Church of Religious Science. The Temple was the vision of the Reverend Dr Elma Lumsden, its founder and first minister. In her book, My Journey in Truth, Rev Dr Elma shared the spiritual vision that inspired her to establish a place where the transformative principles of the Science of Mind could be taught, practised and shared.
The story of the Temple’s first service is both touching and memorable. Rev Dr Elma’s daughter, Serena, was reportedly the only congregant who attended. Undeterred, Rev Dr Elma delivered the sermon she had prepared - to an audience of one. Serena has remained a steadfast follower of New Thought from that day to this.
Rev Dr Elma envisioned the teaching spreading far beyond Jamaica:
" I would like to see Truth spread throughout this entire region - and I think that is what is about to happen right now - like leaves of gold. The leaves of gold represent to me the truths of life. The church is the tree. "
Her spiritual journey was shaped, in part, by her experience as a nurse at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital in New York City, where her interest in the relationship between the mind and body was awakened. That curiosity eventually led her to the Science of Mind teachings and to the mentorship of the distinguished Dr Raymond Charles Barker.
After returning to Jamaica, Rev Dr Elma established a practical nursing school through which she provided her trainees with a holistic education. Before long, she began hosting study groups on her veranda.
Interest grew quickly, and a small but deeply committed group of Science of Mind students emerged, united by a desire to share the teaching with a wider audience.
What happened next was an extraordinary demonstration of faith in action. Led by Rev Dr Elma, this small group of approximately 12 people - with limited financial resources but an abundance of conviction - acquired a substantial property with an impressive building in the heart of Kingston.
They moved forward with audacity, foresight, determination and unwavering faith. The purchase price they offered - and which was accepted - was modest compared with the property’s value today. Its acquisition, in one of Kingston’s most valuable real-estate areas, remains a powerful testament to what becomes possible when vision is supported by courage, collective commitment and trust in spiritual Principle.
From one prepared sermon delivered to one faithful congregant, the Temple of Light has grown into an enduring spiritual community - rooted in Truth, guided by faith and committed to awakening humanity to its spiritual magnificence.
