Richmond Pentecostal Church

The roots of the Richmond Pentecostal work trace back to 1917, when the first known preaching point in Lee County was established in the Union Community. During this time, Brother T.C. Montgomery faithfully preached in homes throughout the area.

In 1923, Sister Mamie Sartin received the Holy Ghost under Brother Montgomery’s ministry and soon began preaching. While holding a revival in the hometown of Brother G.H. Hill, the two met for the first time.

Sister Sartin later preached in the home of the Wilemon family in the Richmond community. During one of these meetings, she needed assistance baptizing new converts. As providence would have it, Brother Hill was available, and together they baptized 30 people in Presley Pond in Richmond.

On August 19, 1933, Brother G.H. Hill and Sister Mamie Sartin were married. Remarkably, they spent their wedding day preaching a revival in Tupelo, Mississippi, about 12 miles from Richmond. That very night, Brother Jack Raper received the Holy Ghost. Later, while riding a bus home, a woman asked who the man was that had “such a spell” in service. Brother Raper replied, “I’m him—and I’m about to have another one right now.”

In 1946, Brother Hill returned to Richmond to preach. During that time, he built a store where he and his family lived in the back. That same year, under the leadership of Brother and Sister Hill, the first Richmond Pentecostal Church was built on land donated by Mrs. Minnie Presley—the same property where the church still stands today.

In 1948, the church was turned over to Brother Jack Raper as pastor. In the mid-1950s, a new church building was constructed. Brother Raper temporarily relocated to Alabama from 1960 to 1962, during which time Brother Roy Lawrence served as pastor. Brother Raper returned in 1962 and continued leading the church.

In the early 1970s, the church underwent significant renovations, including updates to the sanctuary and the addition of a fellowship hall and Sunday School classrooms. Shortly after, the fellowship hall was further expanded to include upstairs space for Sunday School.

Brother Jack Raper pastored until 1978, when his son, Brother John (Ben) Raper, became pastor, serving until 1980. From 1980 to 2009, the church was led by several pastors, including Brother Whitten, Brother Lee Cole, Brother Kenny Childers, Brother Steve Blaylock, Brother Ricky Pierce, Brother Kloepper, and Brother Sammy Raper.

In 2009, Rev. Ricky Pierce and his wife, Linda were elected to serve as pastors, and continue in that role today. Under Pastor Pierce’s leadership, they have expanded by purchasing adjoining property and, in 2025 had their first service in their new facility.

Richmond UPC is deeply thankful for their rich heritage and the generations of faith that have made this work what it is today.