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Purpose Statement of Harvest

To impact people with the Apostolic Message and the Power of God!

Mission Statement of Harvest

• Exalt God
• Evangelize the lost
• Equip the laity
• Empower the leaders

History of Harvest

Springfield is the third-largest city in Missouri. According to the 2000 census, population within the city limits was 151,010. The estimated Metropolitan Statistical Area is 378,727.

Springfield has been privileged, since 1955, to have a United Pentecostal Church as a positive part of city history. The community has been blessed by the dynamic ministries of men such as Reverend Eugene McCarthy, Reverend L. D. Fletcher, and Reverend L. D. Eddings. These three men have helped shape the spiritual heritage of Springfield while pastoring the first �First United Pentecostal Church� in Springfield, Missouri.

Apostolic heritage began in Springfield under the leadership of Reverend and Mrs. Eugene McCarthy. In the fall of 1955, Eugene and Marilyn McCarthy moved to Springfield from St. Louis, Missouri. The McCarthy family resided at 1458 East North Street. This became the first permanent place of worship for the First United Pentecostal Church.

Between the years of 1956 and 1959 several facilities were called home. In 1956, a small storefront building with no restroom facility was used. Sometime later a 30� by 40� concrete building at Scenic and Loren that was larger but also had no restroom facility was home to the growing congregation. In 1959, more growth called for the purchase of a larger church building on the corner of Missouri and Madison. From this location revival and growth continued under the evangelistic leadership of Reverend and Mrs. McCarthy.

After purchasing the First Methodist Church at Missouri and Madison in 1959, a baptistery was added which eliminated the need of conducting baptismal services on the banks of the Sac River or in the James River near the bridge on South Highway 60, which is now Lake Springfield. The new baptistery was especially appreciated during cold winter months, since ice sometimes had to be broken to accommodate a baptismal service in the river.

In the years of 1971 and 1972, remodeling of the auditorium, adjoining Sunday School rooms, and Pastor�s Study was completed. The dedication service for the newly remodeled facility was held the winter of 1972.

This facility remained the home of First United Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Reverend McCarthy until his untimely death in March 1975.

After Reverend McCarthy�s death, Reverend L. D. Fletcher became pastor. With the musical talents of the Fletcher family and the dynamic preaching ministry of Reverend Fletcher the church continued to grow consistently during the 1970s. The congregation soon found the Missouri and Madison facility to be too small, and in 1978, First United Pentecostal Church moved to 2516 West Mill Street.

As the church continued to reach out to the people of the Springfield area, the Mill Street sanctuary soon needed to be enlarged. A baptistery and a church office were also added. The opportunities of a revival church continued to increase, and in 1978, Reverend Larry Eddings, along with his wife Rebecca and family joined the ministerial team. Reverend Eddings served as Assistant to the Pastor and Youth Pastor until 1981.

The year of 1981 again brought more changes for First United Pentecostal Church. To accommodate the church�s forward moving ministries, the church moved to 901 North Prospect. At this time, Reverend Fletcher felt directed by God to accept a pastorate in another state. After Reverend Fletcher�s resignation from First United Pentecostal Church of Springfield, Missouri, Reverend Larry Eddings accepted the pastorate on December 1, 1981.

Reverend Eddings brought with him a dream and a vision for the growth and development of First United Pentecostal Church. As part of this plan, First United Pentecostal Church became known as Harvest Tabernacle and is known by that name throughout the community today. Remodeling of the auditorium was accomplished in 1982 to better accommodate needs, such as baptistery, dressing room space, sound/technician room, nursery, and a Pastor�s office. Men and ladies restrooms with multiple facilities, a larger foyer, as well as, extra classrooms were also added. Computers were installed to facilitate the office and ministry staff. In 1995, adjoining properties were purchased which helped overcrowding in Sunday School classes as well as to provide space for other needs.

To accommodate the continued growth and to pursue the vision of its leadership in 1996 the �Move to the Mountain� dream was unveiled. Harvest purchased 14.6 acres on North Highway 13. The slogan �Move to the Mountain� was adopted because the 14.6 acres sit on a bluff. This location is now the home of the Harvest Sports Complex.

In January of 1997, Harvest retired all its mortgages and celebrated its debt free status with a mortgage shredding.

As growth continued, Harvest began looking for expansion opportunities. In October 2004, a church campus in South Springfield was purchased. The campus at 3114 East Sunset Avenue sits on 4.5 acres and the building consists of 22,500 sq. ft. with 18 classrooms, a 3,000 sq. ft. fellowship hall, and a sanctuary that seats 275.

In the new facility many efficient and effective ministries such as Christian Education, Music, Youth, Children�s Ministries, Ladies Ministries, and several Outreach/Evangelism Ministries were enacted.

Harvest is working diligently to harvest souls for the Kingdom! A busy schedule is the norm as every dedicated director, leader, and member strive together to reach their city for Christ!

With the stable leadership of Pastor Eddings, hard work by the congregation and staff, and the blessings of God, Harvest remains a thriving entity of influence in Springfield, Missouri.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!