History of First Pentecostal Church

First Pentecostal Church was founded in 1940 by Elder Julia Ewing. Services were held intwo residential locations before the church building was constructed. The birth of this church commenced as a result of “house to house” prayer meetings. Though challenges arose early, the first church services were held in a room in the home of Deacon Hurley Goldston, who was the brother of Elder Ewing. Another meeting place was in an empty house in the community, where the church members made improvements and renovated the house for services. After the house had been remodeled, someone asked for the home, so the church had to move its services back to the home of Deacon Hurley Goldston until a new church was built.

During World War II, while building supplies were rationed, God’s favor allowed Elder Ewing to access/purchase enough cinder blocks to build a church. She literally carried the blocks to the brick mason to begin the building project. In 1944, Elder Ewing, built and completed a new church building at 4489 Spinks Road and a dedication service was held there. Deacon Hurly Goldston and 12 year Samuel Monroe Staley were the first members to officially join this ministry. Under her leadership, there were many renovations and improvements done over the years.

Elder Ewing passed away on March 13, 1977. At her passing, Elder Paralee Armstrong Goldston became the pastor. Due to declining health, Elder Goldston resigned as pastor in 1979. In the same year, Elder Kenneth Coward was assigned as pastor to First Pentecostal Church. At age 31, Elder Coward was very youthful in his pastoral approach. He quickly saw the need to build a new edifice and expand the ministry of the church. Within two years, he launched a building fund drive and led the congregation in the purchase of 7.69 acres of land on US Highway 64. During this same time, two church vans were purchased. The church continued to grow spiritually for 17 years under the leadership of Bishop Coward until he was elevated to the office of Business Administrator for the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. and appointed to the pastorate of St. Paul Holy Church in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

In February of 1995, Elder Samuel Dean Staley was appointed by the board of Mount Sinai as the new pastor of First Pentecostal. He, along with his wife, First Lady Shaune Staley, and their two princesses, Constance (age 28) and Kirsten (age 25) continue to serve this ministry and community fervently and faithfully.

It was in February 2004, when the Holy Spirit birthed the vision of another edifice in the mind of Pastor Staley, he immediately sought advice from the head church (Mt. Sinai) and also from a dear pastor friend, Pastor Boyd Byerly, who then referred the church to Mr. Neil Griffin, a financial advisor in Asheboro. The services rendered by Mr. Griffin were a tremendous blessing of favor to this church, which resulted in the closing/purchase of this 12,000 sq. ft. facility, including an old yellow house which no longer sits on the property.

As you can see, this is definitely the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes! God is an awesome God!