Durant United Pentecostal Church

From 1958 until 1960 Sis. Dela Pritchard opened her home on Sunday afternoons for church services. Rev. Clarence Reed and Rev. Jack Hodges did most of the preaching. In 1960, Rev. John Maddox accepted the pastorate and ministered in a garage with cardboard walls and sawdust floors. Bro Maddox pastored the church for three years until Bro. Clarence Reed returned and served as pastor for one year.

In 1964, Rev. Raymond Moore became the pastor, and the first church building was built on Highway 12. Bro Moore was the pastor of Durant UPC until 1969. Over the next 19 years, the Lord sent several pastors to serve the church: Rev. Raymond Faulkner (1969–1972), Rev. William White (1972–1976), Rev. Felix Arnold (1976–1979), Rev. Albert Moth (1979–1981), Rev. Bobby Sanders (1981–1983), and Rev. Wendell Fortenberry (1983–1988).

In 1988, Rev. Ollie Allen was elected pastor. Under his leadership, the church purchased a building and property in the current location. In 1998, Rev. Auburn Beatty assumed the pastorate and presided over the sale of the old building and the move to the present church building. Bro Beatty served as pastor from 1998—2006.

In 2006, Rev. John P. Fortenberry became the pastor of Durant UPC. Under Bro Fortenberry’s leadership the church was remodeled and experienced growth and revival. In July 2024, Rev. John Ainsworth became pastor and continues to lead the church forward.