The Journey Begins…

      The United Pentecostal Church of Spencer had its beginning in tent meetings.  A tent was erected at the site of the current Spencer Municipal Utilities near the water tower.  The water tower was removed in 1978.  Bro. William Sauer and Bro. Gilbert Seaza were the preachers.  Tent and house meetings were held in the surrounding communities of Ruthven, Hartley, Moneta, Marathon, Rossie, Greenville, Terril and Royal.

        During the Winter of 1920-1921, Bro. Booth Clibborn, grandson of General Booth of the Salvation Army, came from Canada to preach.  Services were held in a building at East Second Street and Grand Avenue.

Making Strides…

      In 1926, Bro. T.G. Lowe helped to organize a building program for 718 East First Street (formerly 794 East 1st).  The Church was completed in three months and dedicated in October 1926 by Bro. Lowe.  Bro. Aite Vanderhoff was president of the board and Sis. Sonius was secretary.  Bro. George Vanderhoff became the first pastor.  Other Pastors were W.W. White, Cleve Kerley, C.E. Lundquist, George Dainty, and Lloyd Hodges.

Reaching New Heights…

        In March, 1975, Bro. Dale Hodges assumed the pastorate.  Extensive remodeling was done to the entire building.  Then in 1983 the footings were dug for a new 50’ x 70’ two-story addition.  Three offices, new restrooms, dining room, kitchen and several nice-sized classrooms were completed and dedicated in 1985.

Growth for Tomorrow…

      The Church had purchased additional property on East First Street making plans to build a new sanctuary.  It was a lengthy process trying to get something started.  The Lord certainly had a better plan.  We once again considered relocating.  We call Mr. Tom Johnson in regards to the Stub’s Ranch Kitchen property that had been empty for about three years.  He told us that it was for sale and quoted us a price that we could not believe.  The Church Board wanted to act quickly when they heard that the price had dropped from over $300,000 to $125,000.  It was less money than if we would have built a new sanctuary at the old location.  None of us were wise enough to put together all that the Lord did for us to allow this to happen so He deserves all glory and honor.

        The entire project has been a good journey taking close to three years to complete.  It would all have been impossible without the Lord’s help and provision.  We are debt-free.  We thank the many people who allowed the Lord to use them to pray and to give from both inside and outside our Church Family.  We are also indebted to a core group of men who have been so faithful and dedicated and have worked so hard to help bring about what we are enjoying today.  We thank them for using the gifts and talents that God has blessed them with to help make it happen and to look so professional.

        It is our mission to allow what God has given us to reach the lost, to encourage one another in the Lord and to lift up Jesus.  We want His House to be a powerful lighthouse, a soul-saving station, and a resurrection center for His Glory.  It is our desire to dedicate this house to be a sanctuary of praise and worship where souls of all walks of life can find Jesus and be drawn closer to Him.