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First United Pentecostal Church
History:
The origins of the church can be traced to the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 32. On that day, Simon Peter gave the first sermon concerning salvation. After he had convinced the crowd concerning the Messiahship of Jesus, they asked the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" In response to their inquiry, Peter told them:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
In obedience to this command, three thousand people were added to the church that day. From Jerusalem, the message spread throughout the entire world. At the close of the second century, it is estimated that half the world's population were Christians.
The beginnings of the modern Pentecostal revival can be traced to Topeka, Kansas, where in the early hours of January 1, 1901, Agnes N. Ozman became the first person in the twentieth century to receive the Holy Ghost.
Under the leadership of Charles H. Parham, the revival spread to Missouri and Texas, where a young minister named W. J. Seymour heard the message. He carried this message to Los Angeles, California. On April 9, 1906 he preached his first message at 214 North Bonnie Brae Street. The revival that began there would soon move to a mission at 312 Azusa Street. From this location, the Pentecostal message would spread around the world.
In October 1910, the Pentecostal message reached Dunklin County. Bro. John Davis, Sis. Salome, and Sis. Johnson from Thayer, Missouri preached the message in Senath. A great revival began in that city and spread to the entire country side. Bro. Taylor received the Holy Ghost in Austin School, and became the first person in Dunklin County in the twentieth century to receive the promise. Sis. DePriest held a tent revival at Cocklebur Hollow and spread the message to Kennett.
In 1913, at the Worldwide campmeeting in Arroyo Seco, California, R. E. McAlister remarked in a message that the only method of baptism used in the days of the Apostles was "in the name of Jesus." A great controversy began as many searched the Scriptures. On April 15, 1914, on East First Street in Belvedere, California, Frank J. Ewart preached the first Oneness message west of the Mississippi River. Shortly afterward, evangelists began to spread the message eastward. The message arrived in Dunklin County shortly afterward, and Cleve Curly was the first minister to be rebaptized. Shortly afterward Bible Grove Church became the first established Oneness church in Dunklin County.
In the early 1920's, a group of Apostolics began holding house meetings in Kennett, under the leadership of Rev. W. S. Fitzpatrick. In 1927, the Apostolics cleaned out a cow shed at Bragdon Levee, down from Fray's Mill, and began holding services there.
Randol Street Church "Cockelburr Hollow"In 1930, the First Assembly of God moved to their current location on Kennett Street and sold their old building at 205 Randol Street to the Apostolics for $100. The congregation moved into the new building and quickly set about organizing themselves. In that same year, they were organized as the Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ Church. W. S. Fitzpatrick was elected pastor under the constitution that was adopted, and V. H. Davidson, C. W. Davis, and Ed Holifield were elected deacons.J. A. Nochta
G. B. JohnsonRevival broke out at the new location, which was called Cocklebur Hollow. The church grew steadily until tragedy struck in 1934. Pastor Fitzpatrick passed away, leaving the young congregation without a leader. At this time, G. B. Johnson became the interim pastor until the congregation could elect a new pastor. Later that year, the church elected a young J. A. Nochta to be their pastor. Pastor Nochta was noted as being a fiery preacher and a very likeable person.
After pastoring only a few short years, Pastor Nochta resigned. The church then elected Euell Drope as their pastor. Pastor Drope was seen as an educated man, very polished and professional. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the church was the music school he began, which led to the formation of the first choir.L. D. Segraves
In 1943, the congregation began looking for new leadership. They found it in L. D. Segraves. At the age of fifty-five, he seemed to be a father figure for many in the church.
On the national scene, it was a time of great interest. The two largest Oneness organizations began meeting in order to work out an acceptable merger agreement. On September 25, 1945, the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ merged to form the United Pentecostal Church. Howard A. Goss (former leader of the PCI) was elected General Superintendent, W. T. Witherspoon (former leader of the PAJC) became Assistant General Superintendent, and S. W. Chambers was elected General Secretary. The Kennett assembly would later affilate and become identified with this organization.
After World War II, the Kennett church began another period of growth. In 1948, a tent revival was held that would carry the message across the bootheel. During the course of the revival 223 were baptized in the name of Jesus, and 126 received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.Third Street Church
After the "Cocklebur Hollow" revival, the building the congregation had purchased was becoming too small. The church launched a building program and in 1951 moved into a new building on the corner of Third and Randol Streets. Many great memories were made in the new building. Many young ministers including Chuck Gray, Mac and Norman Luna, Carl Denny, and Paul Davidson either began their ministries or returned to hold revivals.
The church continued to grow until tragedy stuck again. On the evening of May 30, 1959, Pastor Segraves suffered a stroke while leading service. He passed away the next morning.By-Pass church in 1970s
Glen SegravesThe grieving congregation again looked for someone to lead them. They turned to Glen Segraves, L. D. Segraves' son, to become pastor. After his election he quickly began a building campaign. The church was outgrowing their building and would need a new location. Buren Murphy, a deacon in the church, told of a plot of ground at the corner of the South By-Pass and Kennett Street which was for sale. The congregation bought this land and began building a new building. They moved into this building August 3, 1963. At the time it boasted 17 classrooms, a nursery, evangelistic quarters, 12,296 sq. ft. of floor space, and a seating capacity of around 700.
Daniel L. SegravesIn 1965, the church elected Daniel L. Segraves, son of Glen Segraves, to be the Co-Pastor of the church.
Pastors Segraves lead the church during the decade of the 1960's. In 1968, Daniel Segraves resigned to become the Director of Promotions for the General Sunday School Division. Three months later, Pastor Glen Segraves resigned in order to found the church in London, Ontario, Canada. The church then turned to a young minister from Mississippi, J. W. Fowler, to become the pastor.J. W. Fowler
During Pastor Fowler's tenure, the sanctuary underwent its first remodeling, which involved enlarging the platform. Many revivals also took place during this time. In 1975, he announced his resignation and returned to Mississippi.
J. D. LangfordThe church then turned to J. D. Langford, former General Youth Secretary to be their pastor. Pastor Langford was noted for being a gifted teacher, and a respected leader. He was also a man with a burden. In 1978, the second story was added to the back hall. This was to make room for his vision. In 1979, under the leadership of Pastor Langford, the Kennett Christian Academy opened its doors with a student body of sixty. Since its opening, it has been a vital ministry of the church.Carroll L. McGruder
By-Pass church in 1980sIn 1980, Pastor Langford announced his resignation and intension of returning to California. The church then called upon Carroll L. McGruder, former pastor of Bethel Temple Apostolic Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, to become pastor. Pastor McGruder arrived in Kennett January 1, 1981.
Multi-Purpose BuildingPastor McGruder immediately began enlarging the sanctuary in order to accommodate the larger congregation that he foresaw. Under his leadership the church began to grow, and great revivals took place. In 1985, the Multi-Purpose Building was built on the south side of the By-Pass. This building was to serve as the home of Kennett Christian Academy, as well as a fellowship hall for the church.
In 1988, Pastor McGruder was diagnosed with cancer. The Lord miraculously healed him, but not before a desperate medical battle. Although the Singing McGruders had been traveling across the country before, their ministry grew tremendously after this incident.
Throughout the early 1990's the McGruders spent many weeks traveling. The church was left under the ministry of Derek L. Purser, the assistant pastor. In 1993, Pastor Purser announced his resignation. Instead of appointing another assistant pastor, Pastor McGruder felt that the church needed a full-time pastor to stay home. Later that year, Eric C. McGruder, his son, was elected Associate Pastor.Eric C. McGruder
In January 1997, Terry Denny came to hold a revival. The revival lasted fourteen weeks and was the third largest in the nation during its existence. Over 350 people received the gift of the Holy Ghost during the revival.
As the new millennium drew near, it was a time of expectation for the church. The New Year did not begin as peacefully as hoped. Only a few weeks into the year 2000, Priscilla McGruder was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a devastating diagnosis and surgery, she was miraculously healed. Along with her husband, she is a witness of God's healing power.Donald J. Sheerin, Jr
In mid 2002, Pastor Eric McGruder announced that he would resign and move his ministry to East Prairie, Missouri. After a time of prayer, on October 28, 2002, Donald J. Sheerin, Jr., District Youth Secretary, was elected Pastor.
On February 25, 2006, Senior Pastor McGruder was elevated to the position of Bishop. At this time, Pastor Sheerin became Senior Pastor.
In February of 2007, Senior Pastor Sheerin was appointed Director of Promotions for the General Sunday School Division of the United Pentecostal Church International.
The origins of the church can be traced to the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 32. On that day, Simon Peter gave the first sermon concerning salvation. After he had convinced the crowd concerning the Messiahship of Jesus, they asked the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" In response to their inquiry, Peter told them:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
In obedience to this command, three thousand people were added to the church that day. From Jerusalem, the message spread throughout the entire world. At the close of the second century, it is estimated that half the world's population were Christians.
The beginnings of the modern Pentecostal revival can be traced to Topeka, Kansas, where in the early hours of January 1, 1901, Agnes N. Ozman became the first person in the twentieth century to receive the Holy Ghost.
Under the leadership of Charles H. Parham, the revival spread to Missouri and Texas, where a young minister named W. J. Seymour heard the message. He carried this message to Los Angeles, California. On April 9, 1906 he preached his first message at 214 North Bonnie Brae Street. The revival that began there would soon move to a mission at 312 Azusa Street. From this location, the Pentecostal message would spread around the world.
In October 1910, the Pentecostal message reached Dunklin County. Bro. John Davis, Sis. Salome, and Sis. Johnson from Thayer, Missouri preached the message in Senath. A great revival began in that city and spread to the entire country side. Bro. Taylor received the Holy Ghost in Austin School, and became the first person in Dunklin County in the twentieth century to receive the promise. Sis. DePriest held a tent revival at Cocklebur Hollow and spread the message to Kennett.
In 1913, at the Worldwide campmeeting in Arroyo Seco, California, R. E. McAlister remarked in a message that the only method of baptism used in the days of the Apostles was "in the name of Jesus." A great controversy began as many searched the Scriptures. On April 15, 1914, on East First Street in Belvedere, California, Frank J. Ewart preached the first Oneness message west of the Mississippi River. Shortly afterward, evangelists began to spread the message eastward. The message arrived in Dunklin County shortly afterward, and Cleve Curly was the first minister to be rebaptized. Shortly afterward Bible Grove Church became the first established Oneness church in Dunklin County.
In the early 1920's, a group of Apostolics began holding house meetings in Kennett, under the leadership of Rev. W. S. Fitzpatrick. In 1927, the Apostolics cleaned out a cow shed at Bragdon Levee, down from Fray's Mill, and began holding services there.
Randol Street Church "Cockelburr Hollow"In 1930, the First Assembly of God moved to their current location on Kennett Street and sold their old building at 205 Randol Street to the Apostolics for $100. The congregation moved into the new building and quickly set about organizing themselves. In that same year, they were organized as the Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ Church. W. S. Fitzpatrick was elected pastor under the constitution that was adopted, and V. H. Davidson, C. W. Davis, and Ed Holifield were elected deacons.J. A. Nochta
G. B. JohnsonRevival broke out at the new location, which was called Cocklebur Hollow. The church grew steadily until tragedy struck in 1934. Pastor Fitzpatrick passed away, leaving the young congregation without a leader. At this time, G. B. Johnson became the interim pastor until the congregation could elect a new pastor. Later that year, the church elected a young J. A. Nochta to be their pastor. Pastor Nochta was noted as being a fiery preacher and a very likeable person.
After pastoring only a few short years, Pastor Nochta resigned. The church then elected Euell Drope as their pastor. Pastor Drope was seen as an educated man, very polished and professional. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the church was the music school he began, which led to the formation of the first choir.L. D. Segraves
In 1943, the congregation began looking for new leadership. They found it in L. D. Segraves. At the age of fifty-five, he seemed to be a father figure for many in the church.
On the national scene, it was a time of great interest. The two largest Oneness organizations began meeting in order to work out an acceptable merger agreement. On September 25, 1945, the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ merged to form the United Pentecostal Church. Howard A. Goss (former leader of the PCI) was elected General Superintendent, W. T. Witherspoon (former leader of the PAJC) became Assistant General Superintendent, and S. W. Chambers was elected General Secretary. The Kennett assembly would later affilate and become identified with this organization.
After World War II, the Kennett church began another period of growth. In 1948, a tent revival was held that would carry the message across the bootheel. During the course of the revival 223 were baptized in the name of Jesus, and 126 received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.Third Street Church
After the "Cocklebur Hollow" revival, the building the congregation had purchased was becoming too small. The church launched a building program and in 1951 moved into a new building on the corner of Third and Randol Streets. Many great memories were made in the new building. Many young ministers including Chuck Gray, Mac and Norman Luna, Carl Denny, and Paul Davidson either began their ministries or returned to hold revivals.
The church continued to grow until tragedy stuck again. On the evening of May 30, 1959, Pastor Segraves suffered a stroke while leading service. He passed away the next morning.By-Pass church in 1970s
Glen SegravesThe grieving congregation again looked for someone to lead them. They turned to Glen Segraves, L. D. Segraves' son, to become pastor. After his election he quickly began a building campaign. The church was outgrowing their building and would need a new location. Buren Murphy, a deacon in the church, told of a plot of ground at the corner of the South By-Pass and Kennett Street which was for sale. The congregation bought this land and began building a new building. They moved into this building August 3, 1963. At the time it boasted 17 classrooms, a nursery, evangelistic quarters, 12,296 sq. ft. of floor space, and a seating capacity of around 700.
Daniel L. SegravesIn 1965, the church elected Daniel L. Segraves, son of Glen Segraves, to be the Co-Pastor of the church.
Pastors Segraves lead the church during the decade of the 1960's. In 1968, Daniel Segraves resigned to become the Director of Promotions for the General Sunday School Division. Three months later, Pastor Glen Segraves resigned in order to found the church in London, Ontario, Canada. The church then turned to a young minister from Mississippi, J. W. Fowler, to become the pastor.J. W. Fowler
During Pastor Fowler's tenure, the sanctuary underwent its first remodeling, which involved enlarging the platform. Many revivals also took place during this time. In 1975, he announced his resignation and returned to Mississippi.
J. D. LangfordThe church then turned to J. D. Langford, former General Youth Secretary to be their pastor. Pastor Langford was noted for being a gifted teacher, and a respected leader. He was also a man with a burden. In 1978, the second story was added to the back hall. This was to make room for his vision. In 1979, under the leadership of Pastor Langford, the Kennett Christian Academy opened its doors with a student body of sixty. Since its opening, it has been a vital ministry of the church.Carroll L. McGruder
By-Pass church in 1980sIn 1980, Pastor Langford announced his resignation and intension of returning to California. The church then called upon Carroll L. McGruder, former pastor of Bethel Temple Apostolic Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, to become pastor. Pastor McGruder arrived in Kennett January 1, 1981.
Multi-Purpose BuildingPastor McGruder immediately began enlarging the sanctuary in order to accommodate the larger congregation that he foresaw. Under his leadership the church began to grow, and great revivals took place. In 1985, the Multi-Purpose Building was built on the south side of the By-Pass. This building was to serve as the home of Kennett Christian Academy, as well as a fellowship hall for the church.
In 1988, Pastor McGruder was diagnosed with cancer. The Lord miraculously healed him, but not before a desperate medical battle. Although the Singing McGruders had been traveling across the country before, their ministry grew tremendously after this incident.
Throughout the early 1990's the McGruders spent many weeks traveling. The church was left under the ministry of Derek L. Purser, the assistant pastor. In 1993, Pastor Purser announced his resignation. Instead of appointing another assistant pastor, Pastor McGruder felt that the church needed a full-time pastor to stay home. Later that year, Eric C. McGruder, his son, was elected Associate Pastor.Eric C. McGruder
In January 1997, Terry Denny came to hold a revival. The revival lasted fourteen weeks and was the third largest in the nation during its existence. Over 350 people received the gift of the Holy Ghost during the revival.
As the new millennium drew near, it was a time of expectation for the church. The New Year did not begin as peacefully as hoped. Only a few weeks into the year 2000, Priscilla McGruder was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a devastating diagnosis and surgery, she was miraculously healed. Along with her husband, she is a witness of God's healing power.Donald J. Sheerin, Jr
In mid 2002, Pastor Eric McGruder announced that he would resign and move his ministry to East Prairie, Missouri. After a time of prayer, on October 28, 2002, Donald J. Sheerin, Jr., District Youth Secretary, was elected Pastor.
On February 25, 2006, Senior Pastor McGruder was elevated to the position of Bishop. At this time, Pastor Sheerin became Senior Pastor.
In February of 2007, Senior Pastor Sheerin was appointed Director of Promotions for the General Sunday School Division of the United Pentecostal Church International.