Stateline UPC

The roots of Stateline United Pentecostal Church trace back to the Haw Pond Church, founded in 1925 in the Kirklin community near the Mississippi–Louisiana state line. The church was an outgrowth of the early Pentecostal revival that swept through south Mississippi and Louisiana in the early 1900s.

Fred Holland McManus, from Franklin County, Mississippi, was the first to preach the Apostolic message in the area. Under his ministry, the Haw Pond Church was organized in 1925, first meeting on a home porch, then under a brush arbor, and by 1927 in a wooden building. Following McManus, J.W. “Johnny” Magee pastored (1932–1937), organizing the church’s first deacons, Sunday school, and rebuilding after a fire in 1935. Martin Mizell (1937–1940) and E.L. “Ed” Cox (early 1940s) continued to strengthen the church during the challenging years of the Depression and World War II.

In 1945, Roy Dykes became pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation moved about a mile east and built a new concrete-block sanctuary—handmade by church members. At this time, the name was changed from Haw Pond to Stateline Pentecostal Church, reflecting its new location and renewed vision.

In 1950, A.E. Carney became pastor and served for 27 years, bringing remarkable growth and stability. A powerful revival in 1952, led by evangelist Arlee Holmes, drew large crowds under a tent and saw many filled with the Holy Spirit—including several who became future church leaders and ministers. During Carney’s pastorate, a new brick church building was completed in 1954 to accommodate growth. A church cemetery was begun after a tragic accident claimed the life of a young member, Doyle Travis. Pastor Carney emphasized Bible teaching, mentoring young ministers, and fostering a spirit of unity and holiness.

Since Pastor Carney’s retirement in 1977, Stateline UPC has continued under the capable leadership of: Paul Hook, Tom Marshall — oversaw construction of the current 280-seat sanctuary,  W.L. Tullos, George Ridge, and current pastor, Rev. Brandon Wilkins.

From its beginning, Stateline has been a Oneness Pentecostal church, preaching the Acts 2:38 message, the Oneness of God, and a life of holiness. Through nearly a century of ministry, its pastors and people have remained steadfast in apostolic doctrine and worship.

For generations, the sounds of Pentecostal worship have echoed through the community—songs, testimonies, preaching, and heartfelt worship defining its services. The church has endured because of its simple faith in God, commitment to truth, and passion to reach the lost. Stateline United Pentecostal Church stands today as a living testimony to the power of Pentecostal revival that began in a brush arbor nearly a century ago—and continues to touch lives today. Several great ministers whose home church is Stateline UPC have impacted the Apostolic movement and the United Pentecostal Church as evangelists and pastors: Rev. Arlie Holmes, Rev. Roy Dykes, Rev. Mike Dykes, Rev. Rev. Albert Travis, Rev. G.R. Travis, Rev. Jerry Dillon, Rev. Jerry Jones, Rev. James Carney, and Rev. Kendall Graves, to name a few. Stateline UPC is celebrating 100 years with special services in November 2025.