How it all started...
In May of 1941 Rev. & Mrs. J.W.
Wallace answered the call of God upon their lives to start a church in Nashville, Tennessee. A lot at 51st & Delaware, previously used as a landfill, was purchased for $800.00.
One hundred dollars was paid as a down payment and the remaining balance was divided into twenty-eight notes of $25.00 each. The saints and friends accepted responsibility for as
many of these payments as they could and soon the debt was paid. Bro. Wallace rented a large tent and the first service was held on the first Sunday of May with 44 in attendance.
On Sunday night, Bro. J.W. Wallace began preaching a revival under the tent. At the close of that revival, eight people were baptized in the name of Jesus in Whites Creek.
From this first venture into the city, Rev. J.W. Wallace envisioned not just one church but several Pentecostal churches to reach the entire city. "We will call this the First Church, later there will be churches in the north, south, and east as well."
Wallace answered the call of God upon their lives to start a church in Nashville, Tennessee. A lot at 51st & Delaware, previously used as a landfill, was purchased for $800.00.
One hundred dollars was paid as a down payment and the remaining balance was divided into twenty-eight notes of $25.00 each. The saints and friends accepted responsibility for as
many of these payments as they could and soon the debt was paid. Bro. Wallace rented a large tent and the first service was held on the first Sunday of May with 44 in attendance.
On Sunday night, Bro. J.W. Wallace began preaching a revival under the tent. At the close of that revival, eight people were baptized in the name of Jesus in Whites Creek.
From this first venture into the city, Rev. J.W. Wallace envisioned not just one church but several Pentecostal churches to reach the entire city. "We will call this the First Church, later there will be churches in the north, south, and east as well."
"The Basement Church"
By 1942, notwithstanding the humble beginnings, the indomitable seeds of commitment and sacrificial giving were soundly imbedded in the hearts of those early saints of God.
This is what caused them to accept the challenge of beginning the process of construction on the first church building at 51st & Delaware.
In the first phase of this building program a basement was built. For the next five years, services were held in the "basement church".
This is what caused them to accept the challenge of beginning the process of construction on the first church building at 51st & Delaware.
In the first phase of this building program a basement was built. For the next five years, services were held in the "basement church".
Many New Firsts For First Church ...
In 1947 a new auditorium was built on top of the basement church at 51st & Delaware. The Ladies Auxiliary purchased a new piano, and a Hammond organ, the first to be placed in a Pentecostal church in Tennessee.
Gladys Robinson accepted a call to Africa and the small West Nashville United Pentecostal Church congregation sent out their first missionary.
Gladys Robinson accepted a call to Africa and the small West Nashville United Pentecostal Church congregation sent out their first missionary.
Continued Growth...
1962;Pastor C.M. Becton, the church board and congregation agreed to accept an offer from the City of Nashville to purchase property at 51st and Delaware, which would be used for the building of the new interstate highway. G. W. Brown Construction Co. made plans to start work on the new church at 5 1st & Wyoming Avenue.
On May 24, 1963, the Dedication Service was held for the new church at 51st & Wyoming Avenue. 1964;The name, West Nashville United Pentecostal Church, was officially changed to, First United Pentecostal Church.
On May 24, 1963, the Dedication Service was held for the new church at 51st & Wyoming Avenue. 1964;The name, West Nashville United Pentecostal Church, was officially changed to, First United Pentecostal Church.
1976
Pastor C.M. Becton appointed Rev. Ron & Cheryl Becton to serve as Youth Pastors.
Ron and Cheryl Becton and the youth group remodel eu a house owned by the church on Idaho Ave., directly behind the existing church, where weekly youth meetings were held. This exciting place was known as "The Way Inn".
Through praying, teaching,
singing, fellowshipping, playing volleyball, conducting outreaches, and enjoying youth trips, strong bonds of friendship were formed; and deep consecrations to the Lord, that lasted a lifetime. Many of the students from the "The Way Inn" years grew to become soul winners, teachers, preachers, missionaries, pastors, ministers of music and strong saints of God.
In 1982 Pastor C.M. & Margie Becton resigned as Bro. Becton was once again elected to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the UPCI, and Rev. & Mrs. Ron Becton were elected to pastor the First United Pentecostal Church.
Pastor C.M. Becton appointed Rev. Ron & Cheryl Becton to serve as Youth Pastors.
Ron and Cheryl Becton and the youth group remodel eu a house owned by the church on Idaho Ave., directly behind the existing church, where weekly youth meetings were held. This exciting place was known as "The Way Inn".
Through praying, teaching,
singing, fellowshipping, playing volleyball, conducting outreaches, and enjoying youth trips, strong bonds of friendship were formed; and deep consecrations to the Lord, that lasted a lifetime. Many of the students from the "The Way Inn" years grew to become soul winners, teachers, preachers, missionaries, pastors, ministers of music and strong saints of God.
In 1982 Pastor C.M. & Margie Becton resigned as Bro. Becton was once again elected to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the UPCI, and Rev. & Mrs. Ron Becton were elected to pastor the First United Pentecostal Church.
Our Journey Is Exciting...
In July 2005, the new First Church Campus at 7512 Charlotte Pike was completed. On July 10, 2005, a grand motorcade from our 5100 Wyoming Avenue location to the new church was celebrated with a ribbon cutting at the front door.
On November 4, 2005, the new church campus at 7512 Charlotte Pike was dedicated to the Lord. Rev. Kenneth Haney, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International, was the special speaker.
From the very first service at the new location, First Church entered another wonderful season of growth and revival. With the inspiration found in Ecclesiastes 11:6, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be good alike,"
On November 4, 2005, the new church campus at 7512 Charlotte Pike was dedicated to the Lord. Rev. Kenneth Haney, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International, was the special speaker.
From the very first service at the new location, First Church entered another wonderful season of growth and revival. With the inspiration found in Ecclesiastes 11:6, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be good alike,"
In October of 2015, Pastor Ron Becton appointed Rev. Roy & Carla Duke to serve as Assistant Pastor to the First United Pentecostal Church. Joyfully, the church family ratified this appointment.
In January of 2019, our church experienced a significant and blessed leadership transition. Pastor Becton, who had faithfully served our congregation in this role for 38 years, was elevated to the office of Bishop. His transition marked a new and exciting chapter in First Church history.
At the same time, Assistant Pastor Rev. Roy & Carla Duke were appointed as the new Pastor of First Church Nashville. The congregation voted with an overwhelming majority in favor of this appointment. Pastor & Mrs. Duke were warmly received by the church family and began their pastoral leadership with a spirit of humility, vision, and dedication.
In January of 2019, our church experienced a significant and blessed leadership transition. Pastor Becton, who had faithfully served our congregation in this role for 38 years, was elevated to the office of Bishop. His transition marked a new and exciting chapter in First Church history.
At the same time, Assistant Pastor Rev. Roy & Carla Duke were appointed as the new Pastor of First Church Nashville. The congregation voted with an overwhelming majority in favor of this appointment. Pastor & Mrs. Duke were warmly received by the church family and began their pastoral leadership with a spirit of humility, vision, and dedication.