Our Story
Our journey started with a small group of believers, strong faith, and a deep passion for reaching souls. Through the years of growth and change, God has been faithful every step of the way. Today, we continue that same vision—grounded in prayer and committed to reaching our world with His love.
How our Story began
The start of a Legacy (1970s)
In 1972, in Hickman, Kentucky, the late Reverend James Uzzle, at just 28 years old, answered the call to pastor a small church alongside his wife and four children. What began as a small group of believers quickly became something greater as God began to move. With a passion for truth and revival, Pastor Uzzle preached the Apostolic message with boldness and compassion, and lives were transformed.
Humble Beginnings (Early 1970s)
The church began with just 20 believers who were hungry for a move of God and grounded in Apostolic truth. With limited resources but unwavering faith, they gathered in a small building, praying fervently and preaching the unchanging message of Acts 2:38. Though the beginnings were humble, the power of God was undeniable—souls were baptized in Jesus’ name, filled with the Holy Ghost, and lives were forever changed.
Passing the Torch
A New Direction (1993 - 2022)
After the passing of Reverend James Uzzle in 1993, his son Billy Uzzle stepped into the role of pastor alongside his wife, Jennifer. With a deep respect for the foundation that had been laid, they carried the vision forward with strength, humility, and a continued commitment to Apostolic truth.
Under Bishop Uzzle’s leadership, the church experienced steady growth both spiritually and numerically. In 2010, the church relocated to Union City, Tennessee, moving into a larger facility that allowed for expanded ministry, outreach, and fellowship—marking a new season of growth.
After 29 faithful years of pastoring, Billy Uzzle transitioned from the role of senior pastor in 2022, passing the torch to the next generation while continuing to serve as Bishop.
Present & Future of FPC
Growth & The Vision (2022–Present)
In 2022, Pastor Dwayne Uzzle stepped into the role of pastor alongside his wife, Yalonda, leading First Pentecostal Church into a new season of vision and growth.
That same year, the church moved into a brand-new sanctuary seating around 700, marking a major step of faith and expectation for continued revival. As the church continues to grow, God has also placed a vision for what’s ahead—expanding further by building a future sanctuary while converting the current sanctuary into a Family Life Center to better serve the needs of the church and community.
With a firm foundation behind us and a clear vision ahead, First Pentecostal Church remains committed to reaching souls, building strong families, and making a lasting impact in our city and beyond.
