First Pentecostal Church

In 1940, a young pastor named John Baptist Thomas arrived in New Orleans. He felt a divine calling to establish “a church at the gates of hell.” This church, the First Pentecostal Church of New Orleans, became known as “The church with a heart in the heart of the city.” First Pentecostal Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a testament to the dedication of its members. The current building, erected in 1954, was constructed by the men and women of the church, a testament to their faith and commitment. Pastor Thomas, a gifted poet, songwriter, and artist, left his mark on First Pentecostal Church. His mural still graces the baptistery, a visual reminder of his spiritual leadership. His songs, like “My Heart’s Desire” and “In Arabia’s Lonely Desert,” reflected his experiences, including his missionary work in Baghdad. First Pentecostal Church also boasts a rich history of community outreach under Pastor Thomas’s leadership. He helped establish several other Pentecostal churches in the surrounding areas. This expansion included churches in Marrero, Metairie, Kenner, Chalmette, Slidell, and Buras. After Pastor Thomas’s passing in 1966, Reverend John Raymond Cupit took the helm. He led the First Pentecostal Church for an impressive 49 years. Pastor Cupit continued the church’s legacy of growth. He fostered a passion for souls and a commitment to missions, both in North America and worldwide. He was instrumental in forming the Black Evangelism Ministry of the United Pentecostal Church International (now known as Building the Bridge). He also established the Apostolic Outreach Center in New Orleans. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005, Pastor Cupit led the church’s physical and spiritual reconstruction, a testament to his unwavering faith. Under his guidance, the New Orleans Christian Academy, a pre-K through 12th-grade school, was founded. It continues to serve the community, nurturing academic and spiritual growth. Following in Pastor Thomas’s footsteps, Pastor Cupit also inspired the creation of churches across the greater New Orleans area. Two of his sons in the Gospel now lead thriving churches. The Apostolic Outreach Center in New Orleans and Buna United Pentecostal Church in Buna, Texas stand as a tribute to his legacy. First Pentecostal Church continues to thrive. La Vina de New Orleans, a Spanish-language daughter church, became an independent entity in 2014. The First Pentecostal Church of New Orleans stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and community service in the heart of New Orleans. It’s a place where history whispers through the murals, songs echo through the sanctuary, and the spirit of community thrives.