One hundred years ago, in the year of our Lord, 1919, a planted seed began to germinate in the city of Chester, Pennsylvania, and during the course of those years would bring forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, some one hundredfold. This fruit, has honored the living God and lifted up the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, in the city of Chester and its surrounding communities .The street corners of 9th and Central Ave., 2nd and Lloyd Streets, Morton Street (now Yamall St.), "Flower Hill," and various homes, became the meeting places for what was rapidly becoming a congregation of believers on the Lord Jesus Christ.  At one of the street meetings, the late Mother Anna Jordan responded to the preaching of the gospel and extended an invitation to Elder Walter N. Strobhar, his mother, Rosa Williams, and the company of believers to host worship services in her house in Upland, a neighboring borough of Chester. The "cottage prayer meetings” and street meetings continued, resulting in the founding of The First Pentecostal Holy Church in 1919.

 

As attendance increased, the congregation began meeting in the house of Bro. and Sis. Lewis Strand Sr., also located in Upland. It was at this location that Elder Strobhar, and his mother, Rosa Williams, organized the church.Soon, it became necessary to seek a larger building to accommodate the growing congregation. Consequently, a house and an adjacent lot were purchased in the 100 block of Abbott Street. After a short time, this building also proved to be too small. Elder Strobhar, instead of seeking a larger building to purchase, was directed by the Holy Spirit to build an edifice in which the people could comfortably worship God. The Holy Spirit's directive was followed, resulting in the construction of The First Pentecostal Holy Church edifice in1924 at 125 Abbott Street. The erection of this edifice was a milestone in the Northern District of The United Holy Church of America, Inc., since it represented the first church building in the district built through the efforts of its parishioners. Furthermore, this building accommodated the first convocation of the Northern District.

 

The years following the construction of the church edifice were productive.  In 1927, the church received its charter and the congregation continued to grow spiritually and numerically, organizing various auxiliaries and the Sunday School. Various associate ministers served the church and there were two assistant pastors in the church’s history. The first was Reverend Thomas Ellis. The early 1950s produced the second assistant pastor, Elder Howard B. Spicer, Elder Spicer’s role in the history of First Pentecostal Holy Church was significant. He was the man God used to point out the next building First Pentecostal Holy Church would call a place of worship. In 1964, the Columbus Center building, at 324 Pusey Street, was purchased and renovated into a beautiful edifice, suitable for worship and the ministry of the Word. In 1980, the Lord directed Bishop Strobhar to appoint one of his young associate ministers, Elder Samuel W. Ellis, pastor of First Pentecostal Holy Church. Many of the members did not understand this turn of events, but after nine years, the membership had tripled, property had been acquired for the expansion of the ministry and the saints were growing spiritually. The portion of history, which was obscured, had then become clear to the many who could not see what God was doing in 1980.

 

On December 11,1992, seemingly, tragedy struck First Pentecostal Holy Church, as the beautiful edifice was destroyed by fire. But, even through this  devastation, God was still being glorified. This catastrophic event led to a greater unity among the brethren within the congregation, who were able to say with a steadfast assurance, “We’ll Rise Again”. Under the leadership of the pastor, Elder Samuel W. Ellis, plans were made for the construction of a new and larger building. Seventeen months later, on May 22, 1994, the "Victory of Our Faith" was visibly evident as the congregation triumphantly marched into a beautiful new edifice. Today, First Pentecostal Holy Church continues to prosper.

 

As pastor of First Pentecostal, Bishop Ellis provided leadership for a growing ministerial staff and numerous ministries, which proved to be vitally important to the spiritual growth and development of the members of the church. In addition, he implemented training for the congregation in leadership, spiritual authority, money management and armorbearing. He established the First Pentecostal School of Ministry and Precious Seed Christian Day Care Center. The seed of 1919 is maturing and what  was once a shoot has now become a tree, full of buds in its 100th year.  On December 9, 2018, history was made once again at First Pentecostal Holy Church, when our beloved Bishop Samuel W. Ellis retired after 38 years and nine months, and appointed Elder Vernadine Ellis as our third pastor, and first woman ever to pastor the church. In the first two months under her leadership as pastor, membership has increased.  Her messages, encouraging with the Word, building on a firm foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, are indeed building blocks for His Kingdom.  To God be the glory!