OUR CHURCH HISTORY
 

 

Bishop J. D. Shaw, of Erwin, NC began a cottage prayer meeting in the home of Mrs. Daisy Robertson in the Spring of nineteen twenty-five (1925). He taught the scriptures and doctrinal standards fervently.  Although the mode of travel was limited, many walked from miles around to hear him teach the scriptures. This mode of worship continued until nineteen twenty-nine (1929).  Then Bishop J. F. Terry of Smithfield, NC, succeeded Bishop Shaw.  He came teaching the scriptures and many came to hear him, and believed the Word, and were also added to this prayer group. He built and established the first church, Piney Grove Bible Church of God,  in the Spring of nineteen twenty-nine (1929).

 

The work grew and more people came to see and to hear this man of God expound the scriptures.  He carried on the work there until nineteen forty (1940), which was then followed by the pastorship of Rev. Walter Pate of Goldsboro, NC.   The life of his ministry was short, but just as fervent.  He served until nineteen forty-two (1942).  Then Bishop C. H. Smith of Lumberton, NC succeeded Rev. Pate.  He too came preaching the gospel fervently, causing more members to be added to the church.  Bishop Smith served until the fall of nineteen forty-eight (1948), then Rev. H. C. Canady of Lillington, NC followed him.  He came with much insight and served well until nineteen fifty-six (1956).  

 

We saw this work grow from a cottage prayer meeting to a meaningful, vibrant church.  Many obstacles came against the church, but there was always a remnant of orthodox believers that kept the faith and the church going.  Subsequently, succeeding Rev. Canady as pastor, Rev. J. A. Burgess, Jr. of Raleigh, NC became the Senior Pastor of Piney Grove Church of God in nineteen fifty-seven (1957).  Under his leadership the church continued to grow spiritually with a new emphasis on truly getting to understand the meaning of living a holy and set-apart life as followers of Christ.  His pastorate included a re-building of the original church in nineteen sixty-seven and a name change to Fuller Street Pentecostal Church of Deliverance in 1970.

 

In nineteen eighty-eight (1988), Rev. Burgess transferred from Fuller Street to serve as the Senior Pastor of West M Street Pentecostal Church in Erwin, NC, at which time his wife, Rev. Lizzie M. Burgess was asked to serve in his stead.  She was a dynamic speaker who truly loved the Lord and had a real servant's heart. She served faithfully until failing health.  The beloved pastor past in June, 2013.  The church then asked Minister Marie Livingstone to serve as Senior Pastor, after having served as the Assistant Pastor for thirteen years.  She is the daughter of Pastors Joshua and Lizzie Burgess.  See "our pastor" page for more information about Pastor Livingstone.