New Life Church - Crystal Springs

First Apostolic UPC was founded in 1968 by Raymond D. Moore, and his wife, Hazel, in a small building, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The congregation grew as some who had once attended the disbanded Calvary Pentecostal Church of Gatesville, chose First Apostolic as their new church home. First Apostolic UPC soon outgrew the rented building, and Raymond Moore and the congregation purchased the land to build First Apostolic United Pentecostal Church.

At that time, it was just a field, but a community has grown around it. Several pastor friends and men of the church worked together to build a place where many lives would be touched. Some of those pastors were Paul Mathews, Bobby Sanders, and Jerry Sullivan, who helped Raymond Moore, and the congregation construct the building. Raymond Moore built a home on a lot behind the church, where his family lived until he passed away. He worked in carpentry and was well known for his work in the City of Crystal Springs.

There were seven ministers mentored under the leadership of Raymond Moore. Many of the children of its Sunday School program have grown to become influential people of the Mississippi District. Darrell Bates, current pastor, served as District Youth President. James Menona and Wilbur Cupstid are ministers whose lives were influenced by the ministry of Pastor Moore and First Apostolic UPC.

Billy Bates, and his wife, Gail, the parents of Darrell Bates, are the oldest members and first converts, still worshiping at First Apostolic UPC. Their lives and faithfulness have been a blessing throughout the existence of First Apostolic UPC.

Many of the people who received the Holy Ghost under Pastor Moore's ministry, serve other churches in Mississippi. Many names have been added to the Book of Life because of the witness of First Apostolic. It still stands and remains a beacon of hope and light to this day. It has seen its ebb and flow of people, reaching a peak of over 100 members at one time. The blessings of God still flow in the congregation of First Apostolic UPC.

Upon the passing of Raymond Moore who served as pastor for 31 years, the congregation needed a dedicated leader to carry on the vision for Crystal Springs. A very capable minister, Wilbur Cupstid, who was mentored under Pastor Raymond Moore, was chosen to become the second pastor of First Apostolic UPC.

As of August 18, 2024, First Apostolic turned the page as Wilbur Cupstid retired after 25 years and First Apostolic Church elected a new Pastor, Darrell & Jessica Bates. They have been in the role of Pastor for a short season, however, they have already seen incredible growth and renamed the church New Life Church.

New Life Church has been a beacon of light and truth since its founding. Only God knows how many missionaries it has blessed through the years, and how many lives it has influenced, through the efforts of its congregation. The church is growing rapidly under the new leadership of Pastor Darrell Bates. New Life Church has served the community of Crystal Springs for over 54 years. What a testament to its founder, former pastor, and current pastor. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, NOW AND FOREVER!!