Wake Forest UPC

In 1937, records show that Sister Carrie Lacey began raising funds to build an Apostolic church in Thomastown, Mississippi. Handwritten records documented contributions of dimes, nickels, quarters, nails, logs, and labor from local sawmill workers. By the 1940s, the congregation completed the church building.

Over the years, many pastors served the church, though records were incomplete due to a fire in 2017. Known pastors include: E.J. Ellard (1947–1950), O.E. Phillips (1950–1952), Clarence Reed (1955), J.W. Culpepper (1958), G.W. Milner (1959–1962), Croy (1962), Jack Neese (1963), George Carmeans (1964–1969), Harold D. Braneff (1969–1975), William Odom (1975–1982), Harvey King (1982–1993), Bob Ellis (1993–2007), and Greg Fortenberry (2007–2023).

The original church building underwent several remodels over the years. Sadly, much of the church’s archives, along with decades of labor, memories, and history, were lost in the fire on April 14, 2017. Despite this loss, the congregation continues to hold firmly to the message preached through generations: Jesus will never leave nor forsake us.

By God’s grace, the church moved into a new, completely debt-free facility on June 9, 2019.

Today, Wake Forest United Pentecostal Church is led by Pastor Ethan Wade and his wife, Sis. Loryn Wade. Together with their three children, they look forward to the future and what God has in store for Thomastown, Mississippi.