Our Journey
Shortly after the turn of the century in 1903, Reverend A. H. Butler pitched his tent on a site where the old post office now stands on the corner of Evans and Third Streets and brought the Pentecostal Holiness doctrine to Greenville for the first time. For eighteen years following this event, this minister, with the help of others like the Reverends Jessie James, Goff, and Sylgosky, kept the revival fires glowing in the hearts of a small band of believers. They worshiped God in tent meetings, homes, and finally in Pitt County Court House where Brother Butler first organized a Sunday School.
God richly blessed the efforts of these pioneer ministers in Greenville, for in 1921, on October 5, Reverend C.B. Strickland, Superintendent of the North Carolina Conference, organized the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in the home of Mrs. J.B. Baker. Seven persons offered their names to be recorded as charter members: Heber C. Baker, Thomas Jackson, J. H. Ward, Mrs. J. H. Whitfield, Mrs. Janie Doughty, Mrs. Junie Etta Holmes, and C. W. Bass.
Reverend C. W. Bass was appointed interim pastor to serve the church until the following month at which time the annual conference assigned Reverend W. B. Godwin to be the spiritual leader of this newly organized church.
Eleven more people joined the church during the following twenty-four months. Among the first three who joined while the charter was still open was Mrs. Janie Bell Williams who transferred her letter from St. Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church on January 31, 1922. It is interesting to note that Aunt Janie served as deaconess on the first church board along with Heber C. Baker, deacon; Thomas Jackson, secretary; and J. B. Williams, J. C. Williams, and J. H. Ward, trustees.
Those were difficult days - money was scarce and comforts like we enjoy today were nonexistent. Our records show that the first pastor received $162.52 for his services for an entire year. It was only the love of God, a burning message, and the zeal for service that was their reward and turned them on for God. Services were held in tent meetings, homes of members and a rented hall on Reid Street, now Cotanche Street. On July 4, 1923, the record shows that a "business meeting was called for the purpose of making arrangements to start building a church in Greenville, North Carolina." The building committee consisted of three brethren -- J.H. Ward, T. C. Twine, and J. N. Williams.
This committee went to work without delay, and presented the congregation with a church building on the first of November, 1923 -- in less than six months -- which served them with some additions for fifty happy years. Each ensuing year was marked with progress and blessings from the Lord as the congregation grew in numbers and stature with God.
In 1924, the tithing system was adopted -- small wonder the pastor's salary jumped to $400 that year!
In 1925, under the leadership of Pastor Medford, the same building committee was commissioned again to build a parsonage. These men of God again proved equal to the task and completed the home the same year, which, with some remodeling, remained in service until 1969.
We also find the first record of a youth organization and a missionary society which raised $375.00 during its initial year of 1925-- almost as much as they paid the pastor. The church membership climbed to thirty-one this year and the Sunday School attendance topped the seventy mark.
In 1926, Reverend A. H. Butler, founder of the church, became its fourth pastor. Under his spiritual leadership, the church grew stronger reaching a membership of thirty-nine and a Sunday School enrollment of 128.
Nurtured and cared for by such able ministers as W. J. Noble, I. H. Presley, J. W. Berry, J. G. Spivey, N. J. Medford, and R. R. Johnson, the small church grew stronger. Through the years, its spiritual influence extended to areas beyond North Carolina boundaries and into foreign missionary lands where today living testimonies attest to its soul-saving influence. Heathen peoples were touched by the Hand of God and the Sword of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Greenville, North Carolina.
During the tenure of Reverend H. E. Johnson (1951-1955), another physical milestone was reached with the addition of an educational building. The records indicate a membership of 118, and a Sunday School average attendance of 186. The property of the church was valued at $100,000. In the words of a song known to many of us, "The Church Rolled On" and was blessed under the ministries of Pastors C. C. Cribb, W. E. Thompson, and H. D. Marshburn.
Reverend and Mrs. W. Harvey Morris assumed the pastorate in 1966 with a burning zeal to serve and to work for God and His kingdom. Inspired by the vision of this pastor and stirred by his spiritual enthusiasm, the people of the First Church threw themselves, as it were, into the work of the Lord. A valuable piece of property -- the five acres we are occupying today -- was claimed in the name of the Lord, purchased and paid for years ahead of schedule.
Soon afterwards, a church parsonage was constructed and paid for, and a building fund for the church construction was well on its way -- all this in four years. This is not the doings of a large congregation with means and wealth, but rather, the manifestation of God's power working in a small congregation of fewer than 100 contributing members. It is a witness of "What God Has Wrought."
The Reverend and Mrs. M. D. McPherson, continued in the tradition and footsteps of their predecessors. The architectural services of Smart, Woodall, Isley and Herring were contracted and the first phase of construction and relocation had begun.
God not only continued to bless us financially but enabled us to sell the old church and arranged also for us to continue our worship in it rent free for twelve more months. The present sanctuary and educational facilities were dedicated on January 13, 1974. To God be the Glory!
Reverend Frank Gentry and wife, Betty, were assigned as pastor in the summer of 1974 and served until 1994. Under his leadership the upstairs of our educational facility was completed and the new fellowship hall and nursery facilities were built.
With anticipation of building a new sanctuary Pastor Gentry was instrumental in promoting a strong building fund. He inspired and motivated contributions that exceeded $400,000. Plans for the new sanctuary were drawn and are on file now. In addition to these physical plant contributions, Pastor Gentry also launched prison and nursing home ministries. During his pastorate, two morning worship services were initiated in order to accommodate the large crowds.
In 1994 Reverend David Wood and wife, Sandy, became the pastoral team. Many spiritual applications and innovations were begun. Pivotal to the strong standing of our church today, Pastor Wood implemented a new leadership structure that included elders. He also laid the groundwork for our current CARE Ministry.
In an effort to reach our community the outdoor Easter Pageant was initiated. Then when the demographics of our area began to change because of Hispanic immigration, Pastor Wood showed profound foresight in the launching of our Hispanic Ministry. By leading the church in the sharing of our facilities and recruiting a full-time Hispanic pastor, the First Church positioned itself for the future harvest.
In the spring of 2001 Reverend Paul Brafford and wife, Sarah, became our pastoral team. With a strong emphasis on evangelism and discipleship the Braffords are leading our church into a 21st century ministry marked by acceptance, love and mission.
