Alice Upton

Alice Irene McGuffey Upton Moffitt was born on June 4, 1893. While still a young girl, she gave her life to Jesus in a small country Methodist church. From an early age, Sister Alice developed a deep hunger to know God more fully. Through prayer, study, and a sincere desire to walk closely with the Lord, God revealed Himself to her in a very personal and powerful way. In her continued pursuit of God, she was filled with the Holy Spirit while seeking a greater measure of His love and power.

Even in her youth, Alice felt a strong and unmistakable call from God to teach, preach, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though the responsibility was great, she embraced the challenge with faith and determination. She often reflected on the trials she faced by saying, “Every time I come through a trial, I find myself nearer to God.”

Between 1917 and 1922, many families lived and worked in logging camps throughout Mississippi. During that time, Mr. Upton worked in the woods to provide for his family, and they made their home in one of those camps. Surrounded by hardworking families living closely together, Sister Alice could not remain silent about the joy and peace she had found in Christ.

As she shared her testimony, neighbors became interested in the same spiritual experience she possessed. What began as small gatherings soon grew into prayer meetings and full gospel services. Many received the joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the atmosphere of the logging camp was transformed. The sounds of axes and saws were joined by singing, prayer, and worship.

Not everyone welcomed the revival. The camp foreman strongly opposed the meetings and especially disliked the message of holiness. However, his opposition weakened when his own wife joined the prayer meetings and received the Holy Spirit. Determined to stop the revival, the foreman fired Mr. Upton, believing it would end the meetings and remove the influence of Sister Alice from the camp.

Though the Upton family was forced to leave, the seed of God’s Word had already been planted. They later moved to the East Lincoln community near Brookhaven, Mississippi, where Sister Alice continued faithfully preaching, teaching, and sharing the goodness of God with Bible in hand.

From those humble beginnings, God raised up a lasting work through the efforts of Sister Alice and many others who labored alongside her. Their faithfulness led to the establishment of Bethel Temple in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The first service that would eventually form the church was held on the chilly evening of November 11, 1944.

At the time, World War II was still raging across the world, though victory for the United States seemed near. Yet another battle—the battle against sin—continued in the local community. Through prayer, preaching, and revival, Bethel Temple became a lighthouse of hope proclaiming victory through Jesus Christ.

For more than thirty years, Sister Alice faithfully dedicated herself to the ministry and work of Bethel Temple. Her labor, sacrifice, and devotion to God left an immeasurable impact upon the church and community. Though age eventually slowed her steps, her influence and testimony remained a lasting memorial to all who were privileged to know her and witness her unwavering faith.

Sister Alice Irene McGuffey Upton Moffitt passed away on August 5, 1978, but her legacy of faith, revival, and dedication to the Gospel continues to inspire generations.