Church History

The First Pentecostal Church began in 1961 when God laid a burden on the hearts of Rev. and Mrs. W.W. Gilmore to come to what was then called the Carolina District.

In 1963 Rev. Gilmore pastored the First United Pentecostal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina for one year. It was during that time, that God gave them a burden and a dream to build a church in Gastonia. In 1968 a house was rented on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Union Road where the church began to grow.

Property was purchased on 91 May Street and the plans were laid to build a church. Through their burden and sacrifice, the dream became a reality in 1972. Through their ministry and the teaching of God’s word, Bus Ministry, and teaching Home Bible Studies, God added to the church. The family of Billy and Mary Ann Campbell were some of those added in 1973.

In March 2011, Rev. Gilmore went to be with the Lord after Pastoring the church for 40 years. In May of the same year Sister Maria Gilmore joined Rev. Gilmore.

The dream did not stop there. In 2008, Pastor Gilmore told Brother Campbell, He wanted him to become pastor of the First Pentecostal Church of Gastonia.

In 2009 God confirmed to Brother and Sister Campbell that this was His will and direction for their ministry.

2020 was sad year for the passing of Bro and Sis Campbell. We are thankful for the legacy they left behind.

Through a series of God ordained events we are excited that Pastor Billy Chapman a son from FPC’s past has become our new Senior Pastor. Pastor Chapman and family have brought a renewed vision and hope for continual revival.