Polkville UPC
In 1936, George and Dollie Harrison moved to the Polkville community, already filled with the Holy Ghost as recorded in the book of Acts. They began inviting preachers to share the gospel in their home. At first, only a few people came to hear the preaching. However, after much prayer and fasting, more people began to be stirred. The message they heard was unlike anything they had previously encountered. Some, initially skeptical and hoping to disprove these teachings, began earnestly studying the Scriptures—and to their surprise, found that the Bible confirmed what they were hearing.
As more families opened their homes for services, crowds grew, and outdoor gatherings were held under the trees. A brush arbor was eventually built on the site where Polkville UPC now stands. Though some in the community opposed the expressive worship, the mighty move of God was undeniable. One night, an elderly man who intended to disrupt a service was so overwhelmed by the power of God that he fell flat on his back—and never caused trouble for the Pentecostals again.
In 1938, after winter flooding forced mourners to carry a casket over 500 yards to reach Piney Grove Methodist Church due to a washed-out bridge, the men of Polkville decided to build a church building called Union Church, open to preachers of all denominations. The first preachers to use the building were Pentecostal—Cullen Medley and his wife, Frank Goss and his wife, and Ollie Phillips. Over time, the building became used almost exclusively by the Pentecostals. When some community members expressed displeasure and requested refunds for their investments, the men—many of whom had not yet received the Holy Ghost—united to reimburse all who desired it. Polkville Pentecostal Church now owned its first building.
Since its founding, Polkville UPC has been shepherded by a dedicated line of pastors:
Elzy Hall (1939–1941)
Lee Broadhead (1941–1942)
Leonard Lofton (1942–1944)
Troy Evans (1944–1945)
Henry Booth (1945–1946)
Ural Bearden (1946–1947)
Charlie McKeithen (1947–1948)
A.M. LaPrarie* (1948–1953 / 1963–1976)
John Steel (1953)
Raymond Biard (1953–1958)
H.O. Alford (1958–1962)
Jack Hodges** (1962–1963)
Larry Hines* (1976–1978 / 1979)
Eddie Eddins (1978–1979)
Larry Smith (1979)
Barron Price*** (1982–1990 / 1996–2008)
Mark Herrington (1990–1996)
Jeremy Price (2008–Present)
* These men each pastored Polkville UPC twice.
** Polkville UPC became affiliated with the UPCI in 1962.
*** Barron Price, who also serves as Bishop, is the longest-serving pastor in the church’s history.
During A.M. LaPrarie’s combined eighteen years of ministry, two of the original buildings were remodeled, and the educational wing was constructed. Under Barron Price’s first term, the sanctuary interior was completed. During his second term, the old and new sanctuaries, as well as the educational wing, were upgraded or remodeled, and Polkville Christian Academy operated for twelve years.
In 2008, Jeremy Price was elected pastor, having served full-time as assistant pastor since 1997. Under his leadership, Polkville UPC added the Family Life Center, which includes a youth center for Connect Student Ministries, a commercial kitchen, and a gym/multi-purpose center. On September 13, 2015, the congregation dedicated the facility as the Barron D. Price Family Life Center in honor of his leadership and commitment to building it completely debt-free.
Throughout its history, Polkville UPC has been intentional in fulfilling its mission: “SERVING: God – Family – Community.” The church faithfully supports every departmental offering of the UPCI, consistently ranking in the top ten in the district, and supports the Mississippi District Campground and Camp Meeting. Polkville UPC is home to several UPCI-licensed ministers, many of whom serve or have served on community, sectional, district, national, and even international boards and committees. Though rooted in a small community, Polkville UPC remains committed to delivering the whole gospel to the whole world through the whole church.