Church History

History of Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church, Inc.

Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church, the church that was built by faith, love and hard work. Its history goes back to the early 1940’s when it was first established under the name of Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ by Bishop Filmore and three members; Mother Mary Caswell, Mother Naomi Mitchell, and Brother Robert Caswell, with Elder George Grant as the Pastor.

The Church was later reorganized by two Bishops (brothers) into new churches; The Church of God In Christ, and The Church of God and Christ. The members of Faith Tabernacle were put under The Church of God and Christ. Elder Anderson of Havana, Florida was the presiding Elder and Elder George Grant was the Pastor.

After Elder Anderson left, Elder Grant became the Presiding Elder and presided until he became Bishop. Before leaving to take over as Bishop, he put Elder Caswell in charge of the church.

Under Elder Caswell land was purchased on Bermuda Road for the construction of a church building. Elder Caswell served as pastor until the Lord called him home. The members continued to stay and pray together, having services from one house to another until the Lord sent another pastor, Elder George Green from Cairo, Georgia.

After receiving Elder Green as pastor, the members changed the church’s name to the Church of a Living God, The Pillar and Ground of Truth, Without Controversy. Under his pastorship, a church building was constructed on the land purchased earlier. Elder Green served well and left. Another pastor was sent, Elder M. Morgan of Panama City, Florida. He pastored until he moved to Michigan.

The Church was once again without a pastor, but had a church building for worship services. As before the church members continued to stay and pray together, waiting for a new pastor to be sent by God. After one year, the members selected another pastor, Elder Alice G. Jackson from Tallahassee, Florida.

After receiving Elder Jackson as pastor, the members changed the church name to The Church of Christ Written in Heaven No. 2. Elder Jackson pastored the church for approximately 17 years before leaving in 1970 when the load of three churches became too much.

Prior to Elder Jackson’s departure, the State of Florida bought the church’s property for the construction of Interstate Ten (I-10). The church was once again without a pastor and without a building. The members continued to stay and pray together, having church services at Elder Jackson’s church in the Bond Community.

In 1970, with approximately twenty members, the trustees; Naomi Caswell Randolph, Ruby  Caswell Davis, Mattie Mae Williams and Carrie Mae Williams Fegern, purchased land from Willie and Louise Caswell for the construction of a new church building at 108 Henderson Road. On February 15, 1971, the trustees entered into a construction agreement for the construction of a church building. This building was thirty feet in width and fifty feet in length, and cost approximately $13,500.

In November 1971 the Church of Christ Written in Heaven No. 2 selected a very capable young man for their pastor; Elder Frank Stallworth Jr., from Chattahoochee, Florida.

Under Elder Stallworth’s pastorship, the church grew from approximately twenty members to over one hundred members, purchased additional property and renovated/constructed a new building, three times the size of the old church. Elder Stallworth was later ordained as a Bishop. The church’s name was also changed in May 1987 to Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church, Inc., under his leadership. He pastored the church faithfully for 33 years before the Lord called him home in November 2004.

The church was without a Pastor for the first time in 33 years, and Elder Randy Barr, Sr., who was the Assistant Pastor under Bishop Frank Stallworth, Jr, was appointed as the interim Pastor from November 2004 – September 2005. Pastor Barr was selected as the Senior Pastor in September 2005, and was officially installed by Bishop Asberry James on November 20, 2005.

Under Pastor Randy Barr, Sr.'s, leadership the church has developed and implemented several new ministries such as the men, women, young adult, evangelism, outreach, transportation, and media. The church has conducted and held men and women conferences, women retreats, and a Community Awareness Day. The first collegiate day was established in November 2006 to recognize our area college students. The church has grown spiritually, financially, and has experienced a steady increase in membership. Since November 2005 we have taken in 100 new members. To God be the Glory!!!

God has given Pastor Barr a vision to build this house for His glory. In April and May 2007 Faith Chapel’s sanctuary was renovated again with new carpet, pews refinished and reupholstered, and the pulpit/choir area expanded. The fellowship hall, hallway, and the restrooms were all renovated with ceramic tile. We are grateful for our past, and look with expectations for what God is doing for this House. We are in a “New Dimension in Christ” at Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church.

Historical Events Leading Up To the Renovation/Construction of Present Building

In 1982, additional land was purchased from the Caswell’s family for future expansion of the
church facilities.

In 1985, plans were drawn for a new building. In May 1986, the lot was cleared and the foundation laid.

In June 1986, construction began on the new building. In July 1986, church services were moved to Sealy Elementary School.

In May 1987 the church incorporated under the name of Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church. This name was presented to us by Sister Ruby Caswell Davis and Sister Maebelle Williams.

In December 1987, the church ended having services at Sealy Elementary School. In January 1988 the church was completed enough for services to be held.

In February 1988 services commence at Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church. In October 1989, the carpet and furniture was installed.

In June 2006 the fellowship hall was renamed the “Frank Stallworth, Jr. fellowship hall” in honor of our former Pastor – Bishop Frank Stallworth, Jr.

In April and May 2007 new carpet, renovation of the pews, expansion of the pulpit/choir area, and ceramic tile were laid in the restrooms, hallway and the “Frank Stallworth Jr. fellowship hall.

The year 2008 was a year of projects being taken on and completed by families and ministries of the church.  In 2008 new elegant front doors were purchased and installed.  Church cornerstone was installed and chandelier lights installed in the foyer.  These were purchased and donated by the Caswell - Davis family.  The usher board purchased and had glass windows installed in the sanctuary doors.  The First Lady purchased and donated beautiful flowers for the pulpit and sanctuary. The Sunday school department purchased equipment to have Faith Chapel become wireless for internet capability.  Deacon Jonathan Young purchased and donated video equipment for the video taping of services.