The
We Believe:
- In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
- In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
- That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
- That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
- That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
- In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
- Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
- In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
- In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
- In water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
- Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
- In the Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet.
- In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
- In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.
- Repentance. Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19.
- Justification. Romans 5:1; Titus 3:7.
- Regeneration. Titus 3:5.
- New birth. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9.
- Sanctification subsequent to justification. Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:12.
- Holiness. Luke 1:75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.
- Water baptism. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9, 10; John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:36, 38.
- Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to cleansing; the enduement of power for service. Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49, 53; Acts 1:4-8.
- The speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost. John 15:26; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7.
- The Church. Exodus 19:5, 6; Psalm 22:22; Matthew 16:13-19; 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; 7:38; 20:28; Romans 8:14-17: 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 6:6-18; Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:9, 21; Philipians 3:10; Hebrews 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:6, 7; Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17.
- Spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 10, 28, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:1.
- Signs following believers. Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
- Fruit of the Spirit. Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11.
- Divine healing provided for all in the Atonement. Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
- The Lord's Supper. Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11 : 2 3 - 2 6.
- Washing the saints' feet. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
- Tithing and giving. Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10; Luke 11:42 ; 1 Corinthians 16:2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 ; Hebrews 7:1-21.
- Restitution where possible. Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8, 9.
- Premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years. Zechariah 14:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21; 20:4-6.
- Resurrection. John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:5, 6.
- Eternal life for the righteous. Matthew 25:46; Luke 18:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:11-13.
- Eternal punishment for the wicked. No liberation nor annihilation. Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
The
CHRISTIAN
First and foremost, the
PROTESTANT
The Church of God is founded upon the principles of Protestantism, although it is not a traditional follower of any specific leader of the Protestant Reformation. The denomination stands firmly for justification by faith, the priesthood of believers, the authority of the Bible, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. It stands against abuses and extravagance of ecclesiastical ritualism and dogmatism.
FOUNDATIONAL
The Church of God subscribes to the following five foundational Christian doctrines:
1. The inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible.
2. The virgin birth and complete deity of Christ.
3. The atoning sacrifice of Christ's death for the sins of the world.
4. The literal resurrection of the body.
5. Christ's second coming in bodily form to earth.
EVANGELICAL
Evangelical is the term used to describe those who affirm the primary doctrines revealed in the Scriptures. These doctrines include the inspiration and authority of the Word of God; the Trinity; the deity and virgin birth of Jesus Christ; salvation by faith in the atoning death of Christ; His bodily resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father; the ministry of the Holy Spirit; the second coming of Christ; and the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.
The
PENTECOSTAL
In 1896, many members of the
CHARISMATIC
The charismata (Gk.) or gifts of the Spirit appeared early in the life and ministry of the
EVANGELISTIC
From its inception the
ORGANIZED
The magnitude of the Great Commission requires a united effort. This united endeavor is efficiently served by guidance, support, resources and leadership from a common center. The
The control of the
A Brief History of the
It was 1886, in a crude meeting house on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, where the
From this seemingly insignificant origin has grown one of the most influential worldwide Pentecostal denominations. For nearly 120 years the
The call of the 
revivals where hundreds are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit are frequent and on-going. The call of the
For further information on the history of the Church God, recommended reading is the book Like A Mighty Army, by Dr. Charles W. Conn, available through Pathway Press. Visit their web site at www.pathwaypress.org or view our Resource Center.
The church began in 1921 when Sister Pearl Watts came to
In 1924, Bro. Maguire went to visit the
Rev. M.L. Lowe became the church’s second pastor in 1925.
In 1926, Rev. Maguire returned for a period of time and then the church was left in the hands of Sis. Vera Bentley. At this time they were having their regular church services in the home of Bro. & Sis. Tom Shipley at 329 Auburn Ave, who opened their doors wide and received the church into their home. God blessed these people for opening their home, and by so doing the church was kept alive.
Rev. Charles Cook assumed the pastorate next and the church began to move forward under his leadership. Soon they were able to move into a new building on
In 1929 the Rev. Charles Cook passed away and soon Rev. Carl R. Cook accepted the pastorate. God blessed his efforts and the church advanced during the 7 years he was with them. Once during the Great Depression the congregation vacated its building for one year (unable to pay its mortgage) and worshipped in a donut shop.
In 1936 Rev. C.W. Florence began a fruitful ministry with the church both spiritually and physically. The property on Midway was repurchased in 1937.
For the next two years (1941-1943) Rev. Carl G. Carder served as shepherd of this flock.
Rev. Brady Dennis accepted the pastorate in 1943. At that time the church had a membership of 108, and it’s many departments were functioning splendidly. In a business meeting on October 31, 1943, the congregation voted to purchase two lots on the corner of Pike and
Their next beloved pastor was Rev. T.L. Forester, who served for a period of four years (1946-1950).
Rev. Perry Horton accepted the call to the church in September of 1950. Under his administration the congregation grew and the dream of adding the second story became a reality as the men worked together in constructing a new sanctuary. Dedication day in 1956 found this completed building filled to capacity with people rejoicing over the marvelous goodness of the Lord.
The musically talented family of Rev. Harold
Rev. Estel D.
Rev. E. E. Winters pastored the next 1 ½ years before retiring to work with his son in
Their next pastor for a period of 4 years was Rev. Cheslie N. Collins (1964-1968). A massive relocation project to the 7 ½ acre site on
During the next two year term (1968-1970) Rev. C.R. Callahan served as pastor.
Rev. Robert C. Vance, joined them in September of 1970. Under his leadership the congregation purchased additional lots adjacent to its
In 1980, Pastor James E. Cossey assumed the pastorate. In 1981, at the request of many of the church families, Pastor Cossey appointed a building committee to investigate the possibilities of constructing a
In May of 1986, Rev. Aaron E. Cooper joined the church. The total program of the church was strengthened under his ministry, and a marvelous spiritual growth of the church was witnessed.
In October of 1987, Rev. Robert and Shirley Hartgraves came to pastor. Although they were only with the congregation for six months before a tragic motorcycle accident took their lives (March 1988), tremendous good was done and a beautiful spirit of love and care came to the church.
Rev. Ernest Brown came to pastor Walton Boulevard in May of 1988. Under the leadership of Rev. Brown, the carpet in the sanctuary was upgraded, sanctuary pews were padded, new heating and air conditioning was installed in the main church facility, and the entrance foyer was redecorated. When Rev. Brown was released from the church, a controversy arose, which caused a split within the church body.
On February 10, 1991, Rev. Larry Anderson was elected to serve as Pastor. Despite the grief the church was experiencing from a controversial split, Rev. Anderson was able to re-grow the church and restore the trust. Many new members joined and he began the church’s first ever two morning services, at 8am and 11am. He was a great businessman and took good care of the church finances. He also brought to the church many creative ideas and his influence is still evident in the church today.
In 1997, Rev. Don Clark became the Pastor for the next two years. He loved to fellowship with his people, and loved to cook for church picnics and dinners. The church also started a day care called ‘Ready-Set-Grow’ but for financial reasons it was only open for a year.
In 1998, Bishop Paul Leslie became the Pastor. The church has been growing greatly under his ministry and many people have come to know the Lord. A drama stage has been added and a whole new addition of classrooms, as well as a new roof over the sanctuary and offices. He has proven himself to be a great leader, and has helped the church to develop a new kind of freedom. Under Pastor Leslie’s leadership we have begun raising money for a new sanctuary.
1924-2007
1924 Rev. Herbert Maguire
1925 Rev. M.L. Lowe
1926 Rev. Herbert Maguire
1927 Rev. Charles Cook
1929 Rev. Carl R. Cook
1936 Rev. C.W. Florence
1941 Rev. Carl G. Carder
1943 Rev. Brady Dennis
1946 Rev. T. L. Forester
1950 Rev. Perry Horton
1958 Rev. Harold Douglas
1960 Rev. Estel D.
1963 Rev. E. E. Winters
1964 Rev. Cheslie N. Collins
1968 Rev. C. R. Callahan
1970 Rev. Robert C. Vance
1980 Rev. James E. Cossey
1986 Rev. Aaron E. Cooper
1987 Rev. Robert Hartgraves
1988 Rev. Ernest Brown
1991 Rev. Larry Anderson
1997 Rev. Don Clark
1998 Rev. Paul Leslie
Youth Pastor
Ken Shelton
Bill Overton
Jack & Debbie Kaygil
Butch
Phil & Tammy Looney
Scott Tysick
Jim & Cheri Garrett
Steven Smith
Mike & Beth Franks
Carl & Patti Shelton
Carrie Ridings
Don Browning Jr.
Jerry Coggins
Dave & Carrie Skiles
Kevin Gimlin
Tony & Jane Barbour (Jan.’99-Jan.’03)
Jason Cox (Jan.’03-Sep.’03)
Rich & Kay Siegel (Jan.’04-Nov.’04)
Phil & Melinda Robbins (May.’05-Apr.’07)
Music Minister
Willie Bennett
Harry Bennett
Ken Shelton
Barry & Cindy Bear
Reid Morgan
Phil Looney
Randy Smith
Sharon Anderson
Don Browning Jr.
Denise Dixon-Fath
David McCabe (Mar.’00-Feb.’01)
Cliff Morgan (May ‘01-June ‘03)
Phil Robbins (Oct. ‘03-Apr. ’07)
Christian Education Director
Ken Shelton
Daryl Hamons
Jim Garrett
Daryl Stickler
Children’s Pastor
Jim Garrett
Don & Cecilia Bratcher
Kevin Gimlin
Jason &Maggie Dunn
Paul Dietzel
Scott Johnson
Secretary
Edith Lawrence
Lavon Insco
Carol Gimlin
Janet Sims
Carol Leffew
Associate Pastor
O.D. Lovelace
V. Lamont Freeman
Evangelism Director
Esron Grey
Nick & Ingris Bork
Rick & Maria Litwin
Fred & Tina Oliver
Caretaker
Carlis & Grace Brown
Bob & Louise Hays
Wayne & Maxine Workman
Tom & Becky Ainge
Jim & Ruth Leffew
Minister of Visitation
Rev. O.D. & Betty Lovelace
Copyright 2004-2005 © Walton Blvd. Church of God. All rights reserved.