The All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church was founded January 1, 1916 by Elder Lucy Smith at 3716-20 Langley Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. She was the first African American female to pastor a major congregation in Chicago. The church was instrumental in providing food and clothing to thousands of Chicagoans during the Great Depression and charity for impoverished Bronzeville families. All Nati
ons was known for its spectacular gospel music, which could be heard at the church or through its radio broadcast program, which began in 1933, the “Glorious Church of the Air.” The first live worship program ever to broadcast from a black church, it would air each week until 1955. Elder Josie Cason, a devout missionary who had been saved under Elder Smith’s ministry, returned to her native Alabama home and established three churches. Mark in Tallassee. Later, another church was established in Tuskegee as St. A zealous young man, who was then a member of Wall Street A.M.E. Zion church, James Henry Terrell, was converted and ordained as a Minister by Elder Lucy Smith on January 1, 1932. He was assigned to oversee the formal establishment of the Alabama churches in 1936. The Lord called Elder Smith home to be with him in June of 1952. Elder Terrell then succeeded Elder Lucy Smith as Overseer. He became the Overseer of the Alabama and Chicago churches at that time. Under the direction of the Holy Ghost, these early saints established our Covent and Doctrines which we continue to abide by in the faith. The first All Nations Annual Convention in Alabama was held in August 1939. However, on November 30, 1973, the Articles of Incorporation were filed and amended by Overseer Terrell, the Board of Trustees and the Church body with the Alabama Secretary of State. This process reflected a newly adopted name change to The All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Churches, Inc. and an official withdrawal from the national affiliation with the churches located in Chicago. Elder Terrell ordained Elder Willie Valentine as pastor of St. Luke and Elder Willie Pearl Robinson was ordained as pastor of St. John in February of 1964. In the 1980’s Elder Terrell would ordain many saints who would go on to start their own work including Bishop Adolphus and Sister Nina Gaunt of God’s Congregation Holiness Church at 508 Jordan Avenue in Tallassee, Alabama whose ministry has taken them all around the world. They also founded The House of Love and Mercy, an eight-bed facility for women struggling with domestic abuse or various addictions. Deacon John W. Lacy (ordained by Elder Terrell) was appointed as Overseer during Elder Terrell’s illness in 1991. The Executive Board also appointed Bishop Meharry Lewis as pastor on October 27, 1991. Elder Terrell served faithfully and diligently until his race was finished on September 5, 1994. Elder Robinson passed on September 25, 1994. They both gave their life into the work of the Gospel. Missionary Earline Moss was immediately appointed as pastor at St. John by the Executive Board and served faithfully until her death. Her sister, Missionary Alma Purter currently serves as pastor of St. John in Notasulga. Bishop Meharry Lewis served faithfully until Missionary Hattie Terrell (Ordained by Elder Terrell) was appointed as pastor. She also served faithfully until her death on September 9, 2016. Prior to her death, she ordained Rev. Sybol Terrell-Sims on October 13, 2013. Rev. Terrell-Sims currently serves as Pastor of St. Mark. Luke church in Dadeville has been carried on by the saints. Dr. Henry Lee Moss agreed to serve as pastor and to help carry on the work and help oversee repairs at the church. Many wonderful saints walked in the faith and we continue to remember their contributions during our Annual Memorial Service. By the Grace of God, this great work will continue until the Day of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the only sufficient rule of faith and practice for God’s Holy People is God’s Holy Bible. And, we feel it is our duty to follow the principles of the teachings of our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We consider Him to be our holy, righteous and just example. Therefore, we take this method of setting forth what we understand to be a God-accepted rule to govern the Church. We hold the Holy Scriptures as contained in the Old and New Testament as our rule of faith and patience. Our universal theme is to “promote love” which was set in place by Overseer John Willie Lacy before his death. Our scripture-based, universal theme is from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
We are ONE church with three locations in Tallassee, Notasulga and Dadeville (currently inactive) all in Alabama
