BELIEFS

Upper Kent Church is a community of apostolic believers founded upon the belief that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.

We believe in the great commission and are endeavoring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, mercy and compassion.

We believe there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4 ). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), as the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).

We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Acts 2:38.

We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:4) We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He ministers to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy; words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, healing, helps and government. Mark 16:15-18; Acts 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1-11

HISTORY

The apostolic message was first brought to Upper Kent when Reverend Percy Robertson held tent services in the late 1940’s. Reverend Ray Hatheway and his wife, Amy, came to Upper Kent and established the Upper Kent United Pentecostal Church in 1950 and pastored until October 1966. Reverend Hatheway died in 1966 and the church board asked Garth Hatheway to pastor the church until a new pastor was in place. At that time Brother Garth Hatheway was youth leader and piano player and his wife, Phoebe, was a Sunday School teacher. Reverend Garth Hatheway remained as pastor from October 1966 until June 2006.

Reverend Stanley O’Donnell, was appointed associate pastor on January 1, 2006. He became senior pastor on July 1, 2006 and remained in this position until April 30, 2008. He and his wife, Pamela, ministered in Upper Kent for two and one half years. Brother Hatheway assumed the role of interim pastor until Reverend Peter Long with his wife, Julie, became pastor on October 19, 2008.

The church began in 1950 with a humble structure 28 ft. X 40 ft., built by Pastor Ray Hatheway, who also was a carpenter by trade. Over the years several parcels of land were added to the church property and expansion projects were completed.

Brother Ray Hatheway was a man of prayer and had the title of “a walking Bible.” Brother Hatheway was also pastoring the United Pentecostal in Holmesville where, through his prayer and anointed preaching, the little church in Upper Kent began to grow spiritually and numerically. While Pastor Hatheway ministered in Holmesville on Sunday afternoon, Sunday School was held at Upper Kent.

The church grew with the development of a strong Sunday School department, sound Bible teaching and powerful evangelistic services. The congregation continues to flourish today, building tomorrows dreams on the foundation of yesterdays rich heritage.