First Church of God in Christ

Elder Clifton E. and Louella David

The First Church of God in Christ was organized in 1928 under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Keys

Among its first and permanent members were Mother Anna Bryant, Rev. J. Brown, Brothers O. M. Moss and Dutch Pete, Sisters Amanda Jackson, Williana Jones, Irene Blue, Annie Pete, Molly Brown, Mary Roberts, Bell Gray, Eve Edwards, Edna Kelly, Tinia Kelly, Irene Moss, Ethel Gray, Katie Orsaw, and Minnie Cheatum.

This Group of Saints began worshiping in a small building at 308 S. Front St. where the Lord really blessed this work by adding souls to the church. On June 19, 1929, the church purchased the lot where it was previously located on Jefferson St. for $200. Dutch Pete, O. M. Moss and Rev. J. H. Keys signed the contract.

In June 1931, the Masonic Hall was rented at 611 Grand Avenue for $10 per month. In fall of 1931, meetings moved from the Masonic Hall to what was then known as the Jessie McClain’s Hall at 223 Jackson Street. On Dec. 31, 1931, the hall was purchased from Mr. B. R. Gammage of Westlake for $100.

In the Spring of 1932, a brush harbor was erected on the extreme south end of the present lot and continued worship services while the McClain’s house was being torn down, and the materials would be moved to the present lot to be used in building the church.

In the fall of 1932, the church was moved to the house where Mrs. Nellie Simpson lived and started worship services. Because the house was too small, meetings were moved back to the Masonic Hall and remained there until the church was ready. The new church was used for services in early 1933 even though it was not fully completed.

After 10 years, Rev. J. H. Keys resigned and Rev. W. H. Samuel was appointed pastor. His first message was from Matthew 25. Rev. Samuel resigned in the spring of 1942 after pastoring for three years. In October of 1942, Rev. O. B. Pete, Sr. was appointed pastor.

On Nov. 1, 1947, the pastor presented plans calling for the tearing down of the old building and rebuilding a new sanctuary. By September of 1949, $1,196.92 was raised. Construction of the new church began immediately; it measured 30’ x 50’ (1,740 sq. ft.), and it was completed for a total cost of $1787.79.

In 1952, the fellowship hall and pastor’s study were added. During this time, the building was remodeled, and the pews were made by the pastor at a cost of $2,229.28.

Ordained Ministers

Eight ministers have been ordained from the church. They are Elders Sam Bell, O. B. Pete, Sr., Albert Hodges, William Alexander, Otha Green, Sr., Oby Pete, Jr., Clifton David, and Rodney Williams.

The Lord continued to bless the church, and its membership gradually out grew its space for the educational training. It became apparent that something had to be done.

In spring of 1986, Bro. and Sis. David went to Pastor Pete’s home after church about building a new church. It was a divine providence of God because the Pastor was thinking about the same thing! This process really set the Pastor’s heart aglow. The pastor appointed a building committee to begin putting the pieces of the puzzle in their proper places.

Those appointed to the committee were: Eld. Oby Pete, Jr., chairman; Bros. Bill Silas, Clifton David, Daniel Marburgh, Sis. Louella David, Catherine Pete, Delicia Marburgh, and Margaret Brown along with Eld. Otha Green and Pastor Pete.

With God as the chief Pilot, the old ship finally landed. On a surprisingly cold day, Mar. 5, 1989, we held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new edifice. Supt. Alfred Perry, Mrs. Alma Brown, Manager Calcasieu Marine Bank in DeQuincy, and Mr. Henry Thomas, contractor, were the featured speakers.

Construction actually began in April. Yes, God smiled on us; now, here we are today with a determined mind to continue to carry out the great commission:

“SEEK THE LOST AT ANY COST!”

In 2000, Bishop O. B. Pete, Sr. retired as pastor but not from preaching the gospel. The saga continued in 2001 when Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush appointed Elder Clifton E. David as pastor of First Church.

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