
HISTORY
THE HISTORY OF FPCUC


Located just off Interstate 69, the First Pentecostal Church of Union City has been faithfully serving the city and surrounding communities since 1972. Over the decades, the church has grown from a small, dedicated group of believers into a vibrant, Spirit-filled congregation committed to spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of people from all walks of life. With a strong foundation in Apostolic doctrine and a heart for revival, First Pentecostal Church continues to be a beacon of hope, love, and spiritual growth in the region.
In the early days of First Pentecostal Church, the journey began with just a few faithful 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 changed. These early saints laid a strong spiritual foundation through sacrifice, unity, and obedience to God’s Word, paving the way for the vibrant and growing church we are blessed to be a part of today.
In 1972, in the small town of Hickman, Kentucky, the late 28-year-old Reverend James Uzzle, along with his wife and four children, took on the call to pastor a small church of just a few faithful members. With a burning passion for truth and revival, Pastor Uzzle preached the Apostolic message with boldness and compassion. Under his leadership, the church experienced magnificent growth—souls were baptized in Jesus’ name, filled with the Holy Ghost, and lives were transformed by the power of God. As the congregation multiplied, it quickly outgrew the original building and relocated to a larger 110x50-foot facility. This move marked more than a physical expansion; it was a testimony of God’s provision and the unwavering vision that had been birthed through prayer, sacrifice, and obedience. Those early years laid a strong spiritual foundation that would continue to shape the identity and mission of the church for generations to come.
After the passing of Reverend James Uzzle in 1993, his son, Billy Uzzle, stepped into the role of pastor alongside his devoted wife, Jennifer. Together, they carried forward the vision with strength, humility, and unwavering commitment to Apostolic truth. The now Bishop Uzzle and his wife raised three sons—Dwayne, Brandon, and Madison—who were deeply involved in the life and ministry of the church. Under Bishop Uzzle’s leadership, the church continued to flourish both spiritually and numerically. In 2010, recognizing the need for greater space to accommodate the growing congregation and expanding ministries, the church relocated to Union City, Tennessee, where they moved into a much larger facility equipped with an additional gymnasium and fellowship hall—creating more room for worship, community, and outreach.
From 1993 to 2022, First Pentecostal Church grew to over 250 members, becoming a strong pillar in the region and a place where lives were consistently changed by the presence and power of God. Bishop Uzzle’s faithful leadership helped to preserve the foundational truths laid by his father, while also preparing the next generation to carry the mantle forward.
After 29 faithful years of pastoring, Bishop Billy Uzzle passed the torch to his oldest son, Dwayne Uzzle, in 2022. Pastor Dwayne, along with his wife, First Lady Yalonda Uzzle, and their two daughters, Lexi and Londyn, embraced the call to lead First Pentecostal Church into its next chapter with passion, vision, and a deep love for God’s people. Under their leadership, the church has experienced tremendous growth—not only in numbers but in faith, unity, and the presence of God. That same year, the church stepped into a historic moment by moving into a brand-new sanctuary capable of seating 1,000 people, with additional space prepared for a future balcony to accommodate even greater growth. This monumental move wasn’t just about a building; it was a declaration of faith and expectation for revival and harvest in the region and beyond.
As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with power, to disciple believers in truth, and to serve our community with compassion. First Pentecostal Church is more than a place—it’s a people, called and chosen to make a difference in this generation. With a firm foundation behind us and an open door ahead, we press forward—reaching souls, building families, and declaring the unchanging name of Jesus to our city, our region, and the world.
