Wesson First Pentecostal Church

The First United Pentecostal Church of Wesson was founded in 1988 by Reverend and Mrs. Lloyd G. Thompson. The first service was held on July 29, 1988, in the old “Wesson Café” building on Spring Street.

The members began building a fund for a church of their own, and eleven and a half years later, that dream became a reality. Land was purchased, and construction of the new sanctuary began in 1998 on Sylvarena Road. The first service in the new building was held on Sunday, July 4, 1999, with formal dedication services following on January 29–30, 2000. In August 2005, the church began construction of its Educational Building, which included six Sunday School classrooms, a youth area, gymnasium, kitchen, and fellowship hall.

Situated atop a lovely windswept hill, the sanctuary seats approximately 125 people. The church became lovingly known by its members as “The Miracle on the Hill” because of the many miraculous ways God provided funds and donations for its construction. The local community also came to know it as “The Church on the Hill.” A large illuminated cross and a high-flying American flag continue to stand as symbols of hope, faith, and refuge to all who pass by.

The church celebrated its 25th Anniversary on June 28–30, 2013. Participating in the celebration were local ministers, Mississippi District UPCI officials, and Reverend Jerry Jones, General Secretary of the UPCI. Pastor Lloyd G. Thompson was also honored for 25 years of faithful pastoral leadership.

In June 2014, Reverend Lloyd G. Thompson was diagnosed with colon cancer. One of his greatest desires was to see the church he founded become debt free. During a conversation with his friend James F. Nations, Pastor Thompson shared his wish to see the church paid off. At the time, the remaining loan balance was approximately $23,000. Inspired by this desire, “Make a Wish Project 23” was launched. Friends, family, and churches from across Mississippi and several other states generously contributed toward the effort.

On September 15, 2015, First United Pentecostal Church of Wesson paid off the church loan in full as a result of Project Twenty-Three. Although Pastor Thompson was unable to attend the note burning service due to declining health, he was able to personally go to the bank beforehand and see the note stamped “Paid In Full.” On October 27, 2015, God called Pastor Thompson home, but not before he witnessed his earthly wish fulfilled.

Following Pastor Thompson’s passing, Jessie Givens and his wife, Tiffanye, were elected to continue the work and vision established by the Thompson family. They faithfully served from November 11, 2015, until May 12, 2019.

Upon the resignation of the Givens family, Andrew Ballard and his wife, Morgan, were elected to continue the vision and ministry of the church in Wesson.

Today, the church continues to stand as a beacon of hope to the lost and weary and is now led by Pastor Jason Stone.