Over a Century of Worship
One Faithful Church
A historic church with a living, life‑changing message.
Our Humble Journey
First Pentecostal Church traces its roots to 1922, when a small group of believers began preaching in the streets and saloons of a booming young industrial town — Port Arthur, Texas.
What started with seven baptisms in a drainage ditch by the Gulf Refinery grew, over the next century, into a family of churches across the Golden Triangle.
Through revivals, hurricanes, and seasons of rebuilding, the congregation has never stopped growing. In 1969, Bishop B.H. McCoy began a pastorate that would shape the church for the next half-century — leading it through a period of tremendous growth in the 1970s, founding United Christian Academy in 1977, and guiding the congregation through the aftermath of Hurricane Rita in 2005, when the church essentially started over from scratch.
Today, under the leadership of Bishop Darrell McCoy and Executive Pastor Nathan McCoy — the second and third generations of the McCoy family to lead this church — the congregation continues to grow from its home on Spurlock Road in Nederland, with a new building already under construction to serve the next chapter of this story.
Our journey has always been simple: to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We've weathered storms and celebrated triumphs together, always keeping our focus on the transformative power of the Gospel. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, our story is still being written—and there is a place in it for you.
Grounded in Grace
What We Believe
At First Church, we are committed to the teachings of the Bible and the message preached by the apostles in the New Testament. We believe that God's Word is the final authority for faith, salvation, and daily living.
The Bible
We believe the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, infallible Word of God and provide guidance for every aspect of life and godliness.
One God
We believe there is one true and living God who has revealed Himself as Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in regeneration. We believe that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, providing salvation for all who believe and obey the gospel.
Salvation
We believe salvation is found through the grace of God and is made available through faith in Jesus Christ. In accordance with the apostolic message found in Scripture, we believe the biblical response to the gospel includes:
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Repentance from sin
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Water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins
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The infilling of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Christian Living
We believe that followers of Christ are called to pursue holiness in both inward character and outward conduct. Through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, believers seek to reflect the love, truth, and righteousness of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, commissioned to worship God, make disciples, serve others, and share the hope of the gospel with the world.
The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will return again. We eagerly await His coming and strive to live faithfully and ready for that day.
Our Mission
To love God, love people, and lead others into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the gospel.
This statement is intended as a summary of our beliefs and is not an exhaustive presentation of all biblical doctrine
Your Pastoral Team
Rev. Darrell and Sherry McCoy
Guiding our community with wisdom and a heart for lost souls for over 50 years.
Rev. Nathan and Fayth McCoy
Leading the way forward with a heart for service and a love for everyone.
You Are Welcome Here
We are a Bible-centered, Spirit-filled Apostolic church passionate about helping people experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Whether you have faithfully walked with God for years or are simply searching for hope and purpose, you are welcome here.
Our desire is to create an atmosphere where people can encounter God through heartfelt worship, biblical preaching, genuine relationships, and the work of the Holy Ghost. We believe the Gospel still transforms lives, restores families, and gives lasting hope.
Our church is made up of people from every stage of life who are growing together in faith. We are committed to loving God, loving people, serving our community, and making disciples who live out their faith every day.
When you visit, you'll find passionate worship, practical and Christ-centered preaching, friendly people, and opportunities for every member of the family to connect and grow. We believe church is more than a service—it is a family where people are known, encouraged, and challenged to become everything God has called them to be.
No matter where you've been or what your story is, we would be honored to welcome you. We invite you to join us as we pursue God's presence, grow in His Word, and share His love with our community.
