First American Catholic Church History

Bishop Seawright’s prophetic vision and outstanding leadership kept Union Bethel, founded in 1887, as a solid anchor in our community, now serving over 1,700 faithful congregants. This transformation included growing from five to acquiring over 55 acres of land, from two to over 75 employees, from a little chapel to a sanctuary that seats over 500 and to property that includes three houses, two apartments, a greenhouse and a pond. In 2014, Bishop Seawright and the Union Bethel AME Church Family paid off the mortgage of the $1.6 million sanctuary and 38 acres of land. To God be the

    “Two of Robinson’s present churches had their beginnings in the Pittsburg Coal Company’s General Store building in 1892. The company offered a large meeting room for the purpose of worship to two groups, on Protestant and one Roman Catholic.  Eventually each congregation moved out

Recently the Lord led Lloyd & Pam to release the church they founded in 2001 in Charlotte, NC and pass the baton to their spiritual son & daughter as they both were launched

Also, in 1923 Thurman Barrett, a developer and builder, gave the Church two lots at the corner Pleasanton Road and Clovis Place where the church stands today.

In downtown Roanoke, on Church Avenue, an old church building still stands, having been erected over one hundred years earlier. For the same period of time, it has been occupied by a congregation, whose denominational origins lead back to a rural part of Kentucky in what was called the Restoration Movement, initiated by reformers who yearned for a primitive, apostolic form of Christianity, with “no creed but Christ.” Although “backcountry” in the denomination’s heritage, this particular congregation began in a boomtown. While striving to become a “first century” church, reminiscent of the apostles’ ministries and the church life from

“We are a church transformed by grace, connected through relationships and committed to service” is their mission statement and as is everything down in Texas, they are big! They have a large campus with several buildings surrounding the main sanctuary and a visitors center that can be accessed with one of their many golf carts. I must say, as someone who works with youth, I was impressed as to their commitment to a separate building for kids, especially those in middle school and high school. At a time when autonomy is so important for a young person, (and budgets are limited), having their own space is quite impressive.

Pastored in 1952 by Alice Lavern Riles, known as Mother Sheppard, The Church of Columbus remains today within the city of Columbus, Georgia. From a tiny building on 49th Street, to the over a million-dollar facility today, The Church of Columbus has gone through its share of change. Growing up, the church was called the First United Pentecostal Church, but once the church moved locations, Pastor renamed it The Church of Columbus. Located on 2001 Double Churches Road, there lies my second home, with its grand 36,000 square feet structure. Growing up, I was always at the church, whether it was for practice, or just to play sports such as volleyball and football with my lifelong friends that I had made throughout my attendance at the church. According the church’s website, “the church has grown from a Sunday morning attendance of sixty-one in 1985, to a consistent attendance of over 400 in 2013” (The Church of Columbus). The church’s motto is “Loving all to Christ”. The motto refers to the church’s ultimate goal of reaching the 290,000 souls of the Columbus, Phenix City, Fort Benning area (The Church of Columbus). A church member, Lisa Gail Stringer-Johnson described the church; “The first thing you feel when you walk through the doors is an outpouring of Love and God’s presence.” I am extremely grateful that I have such a tremendous place to call my second home.

In Maria Byrd’s second letter to her son she specifies the churches recent worship schedule: “Mr. Thomas Davis preached at our church on Sunday last & is to give us a sermon again Thursday & has published giving the Sacrament this month.” (Tinling 1977, 689). Mrs. Byrd also notes the church’s attempt to book attract other pastors to preach to the congregation. It is important to note that in spite of the new responsibilities taken by parishes, worship of the assembly was maintained as the primary function of the

*The Old Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church is a historic church located at the corner of Walnut and 3rd Streets. It was built in 1789. It is still there today.

time, being owned by mainly the Putman family. The pastor there, Samuel Parris, has lived there

In August 1999, a place of study and worship was secured to ensure consistent preaching, teaching, and understanding of God’s word. The manifestation of Agape 1 Church of Christ, Incorporated was the answer to a call by God on the life of Elder Howwin Carter, Jr. and

The Assemblies of God is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations, with 57 million adherents worldwide. It was organized in 1914 to promote unity and doctrinal stability among groups that had been influenced by the Pentecostal revivals of the early 1900s, revivals which were the result of a desire to see an increase in God's power in churches and individuals. Many people spent long hours in prayer, seeking a fresh infusion of the Spirit. Following the teachings of Charles Parham, these people were expecting speaking in tongues as an evidence of the Holy Spirit's baptism. The first popularly acknowledged revival was at Azusa Street in Los Angeles, 1906-1909. From that movement, several churches were formed, and in April 1914, meetings were held in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which led to the formation of the Assemblies of God. Eudorus Bell, formerly a Southern Baptist preacher, was appointed as the first chairman of the denomination.

The former Kelvinside Parish Church was built in 1862 by J.J. Stevenson (Campbel, Douglas and Stevenson). It started with the moves of John Blackie, a publisher and writer. He knew that a residential development was about to take place west of Kelvinbridge, an area that was receiving lots of attention after the University of Glasgow moved to Gillmore Hill, and new people were about to move in. These people would need a place to worship and to keep their spiritual well-being. In a meeting with members of the Free Church of Glasgow it was decided that a new temple should be built. Soon the lands at the cross of Byres Road and Great Western Road were secured for the church. The foundation stone was laid on the 4th of September of 1862 by John Blackie. The final cost was almost two times the initial budget for the building (fig. I).

For my site visited, I wanted to visit a congregation in the Danville community so I could experience a small part of the religious community around me. I figured what better way to do this than to attend the church that I have a view of outside my dorm window. On countless Sunday mornings, I have watched many Danville residents and friends walk into the doors of the Danville Presbyterian Church every Sunday and figured it would be interesting to observe a church that is literally in my backyard. Along with this, I also wanted to visit a Presbyterian church since this is what Centre College was founded in.

What do you think that Jeanne d’Arc was praying for 588 years ago in this location? Because of the reason, this church is dedicated to Jeanne d’Arc. Other than Jeanne d’Arc, the stained-glass windows are one of the features. It was created by Leon Zack. You will also find the head sculpture and the statue of the saint. [Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2015]