THE HISTORY OF JNPC
1976
This local segment of Christ’s work began its journey to where it is today when Pastor Glenn Burgess moved his family from Waynesborough, Mississippi to the state of Washington. He, his family, and eight others gathered together in the 25 X 45 foot building for his first service as pastor in Centralia, Washington July, 1976. Spiritual and numerical growth followed as the blessings of the Lord were poured out. The saints of God worked heartily, being used as instruments of righteousness for the plan of God.
A SEASON OF BUILDING
-
1980
In 1980, seeing the need for expansion and being led by the Spirit of the Lord, Pastor Glenn Burgess led the congregation to step out in faith. Three acres near Interstate 5 in Chehalis, a twin city to Centralia, were purchased. A plan was put in place to move the church from its cramped facilities on the “other side of the tracks” to a location on one of America’s main thoroughfares.
-
1983
Three years later funds had been raised to erect a building on the new property and a building project began. Former Philippines Missionary Arthur Dillon came to Chehalis in order to oversee the construction of this brand new facility. He offered his time and expertise for the duration of the entire endeavor without expectation of an hourly wage. Jesus Name Pentecostal Church continued to be a light to the cities of Centralia and Chehalis while the walls of their new sanctuary were built and God continued to bless. Excited about the work of God and his helping hand, the church moved into their new facility and dedicated it to the Lord, in August, 1985.
-
1985
Not without tests and opposition, Jesus Name Pentecostal Church continued the “work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Bringing the Gospel to the inhabitants of the city remained a central theme in the messages of Pastor Burgess. The message was received and produced a faith that God had called many to salvation. Tent revivals, special meetings, prayer, fasting and solid weekly preaching and teaching helped to keep the church on course.
-
1993
God led the way for many projects, both spiritual and earthly and in 1993 it was time to build another sanctuary. The church had outgrown the sanctuary and needed room to expand. Plans were made for a new 4,700 sq. ft. building which contained a 44 ft. by 74 ft. sanctuary. Construction was begun in late 1993 and the people had a mind to work. The building was completed in early 1995.
2008 - 2009
Anticipating the need for expansion Pastor Glenn Burgess, Associate Pastor Shannon Burgess, and Jesus Name Pentecostal Church family united to begin building a new multi-purpose building in order to facilitate further development and growth. This building was the first phase of a multi-year project to facilitate aggressive evangelism, effective discipleship and continued growth.
On July 12, 2009 Pastor Glenn Burgess formally ended his tenure as Senior Pastor of Jesus Name Pentecostal Church. After 33 years of labor in that capacity he and his wife handed off the responsibility to Pastor Shannon Burgess and Sister Britt Burgess. There were 54 fellow ministers in attendance to be a part of the event. The celebration was a bittersweet time for the church family as they were sad to see Pastor Glenn Burgess go; yet, they were excited about the future and their new pastor, Pastor Shannon Burgess. As a token of thanks for the many years of service contributed, the church offered the fitting gift of a 1936 Plymouth to drive through his golden years.