First Pentecostal Church of Raymond
In June 1977, Rev. James F. Nations, his wife Peggy, and their three sons—Kevin, Anthony, and Davin—answered the call to pioneer a home mission work in Raymond, Mississippi. The family had been pastoring Bethel Temple United Pentecostal Church near Brookhaven for approximately eight years but felt God leading them to start a church in a town with no Pentecostal presence.
The Nations family sold their home near Wesson and relocated to Raymond, securing property at 221 Hinds Boulevard. On August 13, 1978, the church held its first service in a mobile trailer provided by the Mississippi Home Missions Department. Eleven people attended: the Nations family, the Charles Hill family, and Rev. Lonnie Nations, James’s father. The Charles Hills were the first official members, followed by the Larry Smith and Whittington families.
For the next two years, the congregation worked tirelessly to build a permanent church facility. Limited funds meant most of the labor came from church members themselves, and God blessed their efforts with many souls finding salvation. The youth played a vital role in the church’s life, led by Sister Peggy and supported by Brenda and Geneva Whittington, with active participation from Kevin, Anthony, Davin, Karen Hill, Kim Hill, and Lane Mason.
In 1992, Rev. James Nations was elected District Secretary of the Mississippi District United Pentecostal Church. After 15 years of dedicated service, he and his family turned a debt-free church over to Rev. Wayne Dickerson.
Pastoral History – Raymond UPC:
James F. Nations: 1978–1993, 1997–1998
Wayne Dickerson: 1993–1995, 2006–2007
Randy Rice: 1995–1996
Cody Cooley: 1996
Mike Dillon: 1998–2001
Horace Jackson: 2001–2004, 2007–2011
Charles Thornton: 2004–2006
Dennis Davis: 2012–present
Since 2012, Rev. Dennis and Sister Teresa Davis have led the church with a heart for worship, music, and ministry, helping many hungry hearts experience the Pentecostal life. From its humble beginnings in a trailer to the thriving congregation today, Raymond UPC stands as a testament to faith, sacrifice, and God’s blessings.