Lakeview Church - Hattiesburg

First United Pentecostal Church, now named Lakeview Church, was founded in a storefront in February 1959, by Rev. M.D. Owens. He was 26 years of age and single at the time. His sister, Doris, was instrumental also when the church began.

Rev. Owens married Erma Middleton in the fall of 1959. Their daughter Jeanette was born in December of the following year. The church purchased land and constructed a two-story building while Rev. Owens served First UPC from 1959–1963. Rev. Owens spent many toiling hours, including many nights, working until 10 PM to complete the building that First UPC would call home for nearly 60 years.

Each night, Rev. Owens would sharpen the skill saw blade used to cut all wood for the new church. He presented the saw blade to the church at its 50th anniversary, and the church affirmed Rev. M.D. Owens Honorary Bishop of the church.

Rev. and Sis. Ferdinand Schexnayder served from 1963–1969. The Schexnayders made a remarkable impact with their pastoral ministry and their exceptionally skilled musical talent.

From 1969–1975 Rev. and Sis. James King served. In 1973, they led the church in the construction of a new sanctuary.

Rev. and Sis. Dan Gilbert served the church from 1975–1976. Rev. James King again served the church from 1976–1981. The congregation elected Rev. Roy Craft and wife Shirli Jean in August 1981 as pastor. Rev. Craft said, he was “honored to have personally known each pastor before him." They were all "great men."

In 2017, new property was purchased beside the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. A new church was completed in 2020, and the name was changed to Lakeview Church. Pastor & Sis. Craft continue to lead the charge and impact their city.