A Brief History of First Church of God

Raleigh, North Carolina

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The history of First Church of God in Raleigh began on September 23, 1928, when a small group of faithful believers gathered for prayer and Bible study. These cottage meetings were organized by Sis. Mary Jane Stewart and Sis. Sadie Kennedy, both originally from South Carolina. Their faith, vision, and commitment laid the foundation for what would become First Church of God of Raleigh.

In those early days, worship services were held in the homes of Sis. Mary Jane Stewart on Fisher Street and Sis. Sarah Davis on Lenoir Street. As the congregation grew, tent revival services were conducted on a vacant lot owned by Mr. Mack Carter on Edenton Street, now known as Boyer Street.

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Founding Members

The founding members of First Church of God included:

• Sis. Mary Jane Stewart and her daughter, Sis. Rhoda Conyers

• Bro. Lucius and Sis. Sadie Kennedy

• Bro. Eugene and Sis. Alice Gardner

• Bro. Etuaw and Sis. Estelle Scott

• Sis. Harris and her daughter, Sis. Viola Habershaw

• Sis. Ella Cooper

• Bro. C. J. Tilley

Many other faithful believers also worshipped during the tent meeting era, including Sis. Sarah Davis, Sis. Elora White, Sis. Ella Powell, Sis. Sadie Short, Sis. Melvina Strickland, Bro. Cornelius and Sis. Annie Bell Smith, Bro. Henry and Sis. Placide Morgan, Bro. Charlie and Sis. Daisy Bell Scott, and Sis. Minnie Copeland.

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In 1929, the congregation purchased two lots from local businessman A. H. Byrum, where the church sanctuary and parsonage were constructed. That same year, Rev. W. H. DeLaine became the church's first pastor. He and his wife, Sis. Margaret E. DeLaine, relocated from Sumter, South Carolina, with their four children to shepherd the growing congregation. Rev. DeLaine faithfully served until 1953, establishing a strong spiritual foundation that continues to influence the church today.

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Among his children was the late Sis. Rosia Butler, who became the church's oldest member and faithfully served throughout her lifetime before transitioning at the age of 101. In her honor, the current Fellowship Hall was dedicated to Mother Rosia DeLaine Butler and renamed Butler Fellowship Hall.

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Although First Church of God remains on its original corner, its facilities have evolved over the decades to meet the needs of its growing ministry.

From 1954 to 1986, Rev. Edward Ford and Rev. Nancy Ford faithfully led the congregation through a period of tremendous growth and expansion. During their pastorate, several major improvements were completed, including:

• Construction of a new sanctuary in 1961

• A new parsonage

• An education building with Sunday School classrooms (now the Fellowship Hall and Youth Center)

• Installation of the church chimes

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In 1962, First Church of God sponsored its first Cub Scout troop, Pack #49, organized by Sis. Fayger White.

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Rev. Nancy Ford also established a youth camp in 1957 on the Chapel Hill Campground, creating opportunities for generations of young people to grow spiritually.

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Around 1965, the church began what has become one of its most cherished traditions—the Harvest Tea. This annual event continues today as friends, families, and members of the community gather to share their talents, resources, and fellowship in support of God's Kingdom.

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From 1986 to 1992, Rev. James Lewis of Houston, Texas, served as pastor. During his leadership, the Christian Education Department was organized, the church mission statement was developed, and a new church van was purchased.

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Following Rev. Lewis's pastorate, Rev. Willie Amerson of High Point, North Carolina, faithfully served as interim pastor from 1992 to 1994 while the congregation searched for its next shepherd.

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From 1994 to 2001, Rev. William F. Matthews served as the church's fourth pastor, continuing the work of strengthening the congregation and its ministries. During his leadership, his wife established the church's first youth praise dance ministry, and a new sound system was installed.

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In May 2002, Rev. Velma J. Champlain became pastor and served until 2011. During her leadership, the church's name was changed from First Church of God to First Church of God Ministries, Inc., several annual special observances were established, and the church significantly expanded its outreach to the surrounding community.

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In 2012, Rev. Henry Caldwell accepted the call to serve as interim pastor and, in 2016, was called to become the church's permanent pastor.

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The Church Today

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Today, First Church of God Ministries continues its mission of serving both the local community and the world. The church supports Carolina Ministries as well as international missions in Haiti and Africa. In addition, the church owns several properties that provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families, reflecting its longstanding commitment to community service.

The church's spiritual leadership has been strengthened through the faithful service of Rev. Henry Caldwell, Rev. Joyce White, Rev. Wallace Montague, Rev. Isaac White Sr., Rev. Jacqui Hawkins Morton, Elder Emeritus Josephine Walker, and Elders George and Hyacinth McCann. We also honor the memory and enduring legacy of the late Elder Odessa Foster, as well as our preceding spiritual leaders, Mother Fayger White, Mother Claudia Davis, Mother Rosetta Jackson, Mother Laura Rogers, Mother Lucille Perry, and Bro. Luther Perry, and Mother Rosia Butler, for their dedicated service to the congregation.

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Today, under the leadership of Rev. Henry Caldwell, alongside the ministers, Board of Trustees, and the faithful members of First Church of God, the congregation continues to move forward with the same spirit of faith, sacrifice, and dedication demonstrated by its founders in 1928. As we honor our rich heritage, we remain committed to sharing the love of Christ, serving our community, and building God's Kingdom for generations to come.