OUR HERITAGE...
Potential is defined as having possibility, capability, or power. In 1886 in the mountains of western North Carolina 8 people had a desire for a closer relationship and life with Christ. None of those 8 people realized the potential they had. They didn't know that one day those meetings at the Barney Creek Meeting House would lead to a movement that would affect more than 7 million, and counting, people in 185+ nations of the world. As the old saying goes,
"Little is much when God is in it."
This Revival came to LaFayette in 1913; when Evangelist J.W. Buckalew, burdened for the people of the North Georgia Mountains came preaching the message of Christ and Pentecost. Several people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Reverend W.H. Swift began having meetings in different homes.
In 1913, the LaFayette Church of God was organized.
Humble beginnings in primitive conditions defined the infant stages of our church, with our first meetings held in a goat house. M.A. Looney was appointed as the church's first Pastor. Eventually, the church would relocate to a warehouse building located on Chattanooga Street. Then, under the leadership of John Develin, a lot on Cove Road was purchased and a 30 x 40 foot church was built. W.H. Swift returned to LaFayette to pastor and purchased a piece of property on Magnolia Street to construct a larger building in 1938,
to accommodate the church's growth.
By 1960 the church had outgrew it's location again and moved to downtown LaFayette, in a historical building, on the corner of Cherokee and Villanow streets. In 1985 Pastor J.W. Timms and the congregation purchased 10 acres on Highway 27 at the city's southern entrance to build a new house of worship. Shortly thereafter the beautiful sanctuary the congregation still enjoys was constructed under the oversight of Pastor Bill Cox. On August 28, 1988 a caravan of automobiles traveled from the downtown location to our church, which boast of God's continued faithfulness. In 1997 a Family Ministry Center was erected under the leadership of Pastor Gary Bruce to aid in the educational, ministry and fellowship needs of our thriving congregation.
Home is defined as many things. Home is an institution where people are cared for, an environment offering affection and security. We are a church that believes in the power of Christ's love to save, heal, and deliver. By accepting this love and proclaiming His power, we are a church that exemplifies Christ's love, by loving one another. Home is a place where something begins and flourishes, where a mission starts and ends. It is a place one returns to find their roots. No matter what stage you are in life, this is a church where your purpose can flourish and and you can find true roots in Christ. Home is family.
So, simply put, we hope to be your church home and spiritual family for many more years to come; where the message of Christ and Pentecostal power is not compromised; and where all people can Encounter God, be Equipped through His Word and be challenged to Express His love to others, locally and globally.
"Little is much when God is in it."
This Revival came to LaFayette in 1913; when Evangelist J.W. Buckalew, burdened for the people of the North Georgia Mountains came preaching the message of Christ and Pentecost. Several people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Reverend W.H. Swift began having meetings in different homes.
In 1913, the LaFayette Church of God was organized.
Humble beginnings in primitive conditions defined the infant stages of our church, with our first meetings held in a goat house. M.A. Looney was appointed as the church's first Pastor. Eventually, the church would relocate to a warehouse building located on Chattanooga Street. Then, under the leadership of John Develin, a lot on Cove Road was purchased and a 30 x 40 foot church was built. W.H. Swift returned to LaFayette to pastor and purchased a piece of property on Magnolia Street to construct a larger building in 1938,
to accommodate the church's growth.
By 1960 the church had outgrew it's location again and moved to downtown LaFayette, in a historical building, on the corner of Cherokee and Villanow streets. In 1985 Pastor J.W. Timms and the congregation purchased 10 acres on Highway 27 at the city's southern entrance to build a new house of worship. Shortly thereafter the beautiful sanctuary the congregation still enjoys was constructed under the oversight of Pastor Bill Cox. On August 28, 1988 a caravan of automobiles traveled from the downtown location to our church, which boast of God's continued faithfulness. In 1997 a Family Ministry Center was erected under the leadership of Pastor Gary Bruce to aid in the educational, ministry and fellowship needs of our thriving congregation.
Home is defined as many things. Home is an institution where people are cared for, an environment offering affection and security. We are a church that believes in the power of Christ's love to save, heal, and deliver. By accepting this love and proclaiming His power, we are a church that exemplifies Christ's love, by loving one another. Home is a place where something begins and flourishes, where a mission starts and ends. It is a place one returns to find their roots. No matter what stage you are in life, this is a church where your purpose can flourish and and you can find true roots in Christ. Home is family.
So, simply put, we hope to be your church home and spiritual family for many more years to come; where the message of Christ and Pentecostal power is not compromised; and where all people can Encounter God, be Equipped through His Word and be challenged to Express His love to others, locally and globally.
