Springhill UPC

In 1932, Charley and Gladys Walker moved to Wesson, Mississippi, from Prentiss. Already active members of the Pentecostal church, they joined others in holding worship services in brush arbors and private homes before a permanent church could be established. These brush arbors were simple structures made of poles with a raised platform for preaching and a makeshift altar where many sought God.

Several brush arbors were erected in the Wesson area with the help of Troy Evans, Hulon Walker, and Amos Taylor from Prentiss. One arbor stood near the present location of Leon Williams’ home on Beauregard Road, another between the homes of the Jackson families on Beauregard Road, and the third on the present church property located on Springhill Road.

In 1935, Reverend Dennis J. Lack and his family moved to Wesson to minister to the growing number of converts. Services continued in brush arbors and homes until the church was officially founded in 1937 under the name Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, Inc. The church property was purchased on July 12, 1937, on what was then known as Deeson Public Gravel Road, now Springhill Road, east of Wesson.

From its beginning, Springhill Pentecostal Church has been blessed with faithful pastors who dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel and leading souls to Christ. Reverend Dennis J. Lack served as the church’s first pastor from 1935–1945, followed by Earl Carney, Walter Ford, Lonnie V. Nations, Grady Ladner, Dewey Watson, Johnny Hamilton, Billy Joe Lambert, Harold Smith, James Stone, Joe Mark Dooley, and Floyd E. Odom.

Among these leaders, Reverend Lonnie V. Nations faithfully pastored the church for many years and became well remembered for his first sermon, “Abide in the Ship.” At his final service years later, Ben Tom Hamilton famously replied, “Stay in the Boat,” when asked if anyone remembered the message.

During the pastorate of Reverend Joe Mark Dooley, a new sanctuary and gymnasium were constructed after Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the original church building. Brother Dooley faithfully served until his passing on October 30, 2019, after battling serious health issues.

Throughout its history, Springhill Pentecostal Church has experienced powerful revivals and countless lives transformed through the New Birth experience. Though many families relocated over the years in search of employment opportunities, God has continued to send hungry hearts to His Kingdom.

Today, Springhill Pentecostal Church continues to stand as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and is currently led by Pastor Tommy Lee.