OUR CHURCH HISTORY*
In the year 1935, on East Church Street near here, from a large gospel tent, the late Reverend A.D. Gurley conducted a revival meeting which marked the beginning of First Pentecostal Church of Booneville. Prior to 1935, groups of Pentecostal believers had worshiped together in revivals and meetings throughout the area including "Happy Hollow" and "Friendship Church" in Lake City, with several different preachers, including Reverend Jim Jones, leading the services.
Following the tent revival in 1935, the Booneville Pentecostal Church was organized and the infant church with 26 charter members purchased the old "Friendship Church" property south of here in Lake City where the Fairview Baptist Church is now located. There the young church worshiped until 1940.
The growing little church realized the need for larger facilities, and purchased three acres on North Lake Street where the present church buildings now stand. In 1942, after months of laboring together for the glory of God, a new House of Worship was set upon this hill to become a light to the City of Booneville.
There were about 26 charter members of the Church. Mary Lee Spencer is the only living member who remains.
Charter members who are now deceased include: Antlean Nicholson Jones, J.W. England, Clemmie Nicholson Kennedy, Vera Lee Kennedy, Ollie Maddox, Mamie Nichols, R.C. Nichols, Lum Gentry, Cora Gentry, James Gentry, Dalton Ricketts, Ilene Stevens Ricketts, Velmer England, W.T. (Tuggle) Jones, Pearl Nicholson Bristow, Sarah Allen, Annie Duke, Dewel Reece, Mollie Ricketts, Juanita Gentry, R.R. (Brown) Kennedy, Parker Nichols, Thomas Allen, Cecil Gahagan, Rheba Duke, and Bro. Jessie Smith.
These ministers have served this local congregation as pastor: the Reverends J.W. McDonald, R.H. Kemp, S.A. Bonds, H.B. Lee, Bro. Newgent, V.A. Smith, R.B. Boyd, Samuel Scott, Floyd H. Coleman, James A. Boutwell, Lloyd W. Shaw, M.D. Padfield, C. Holiday, Charles Combs, Robert Forbush, Hulon Sanford, Danny Odle, Bobby Upchurch, Larry E. Hill, Jimmy C. Hicks, and since 2001, Terry Teddlie.
During the administration of the first full time pastor, the Reverend R.B. Boyd, 1946-1952, the congegation constructed a six room frame parsonage on the church property which provided a home for the pastor's family until 1976 when a spacious, brick pastor's home was built near the church.
The small frame Church building originally constructed in 1942 with the addition of a Sunday School wing added during Reverend James Boutwell's pastorate served the needs of a growing congregation until 1963 when this large, modern, brick sanctuary was dedicated to the service of the Lord by the congregation.
With the Church experiencing tremendous growth, in 1979, Pastor Larry Hill and the Church family realized the need for additional space to accommodate the needs of the church. A Family Life Center, which contained classrooms, a kitchen, and a gym, was constructed to help meet the needs of the growing church. In 1995, a major renovation to the Church facilities was completed. The sanctuary was enlarged, a foyer and classrooms added, the Family Life Center expanded, and the parking facilities were enlarged and re-paved.
During the leadership of Pastor Jimmy C. Hicks, the Church continued to grow. Nearby property was purchased, two houses adjoining the Church property were bought, the kitchen in the Family Life Center was enlarged and updated. A crystal chandelier was added to the foyer of the Church building. A new, larger church van for the bus ministry was also purchased.
*I have been told by current members of the church that this account is not totally accurate, however, it is the only written history that we have, and there are no charter members still living who can clarify this history. I apologize for whatever errors are contained herein and would like to express my sincere regrets that we cannot accurately report our history.
Sincerely,