Ground Breaking Ceremony

---

HAPPY 51ST ANNIVERSARY!

West street to 9th and Paca Street, to California street, to Belleview Place, to Cold Spring Road!

Instruction of Rev. Smith. In 1972, we began to look for a larger church and found that the Eight Christian Church was available. On May 5, 1974, with much prayer on the Pastor 's 73rd birthday, Rev. William Smith, had a vision of building a small family church. And in 1952, this vision came true. On July 27, 1952, First Samuel Church (W)Holistic Ministries was organized at 623 West 11th Street, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Scruggs. Rev. William Smith with four other members, Samella Smith (his wife), Mr. and Mrs. Tobe Rice and Mrs. Odavene Scruggs (his sister-in-law). After organizing, the first service was held on the First Sunday in September 1952, in the Charity Hall building, located at 15th and West Street. The First Sunday School lesson was in the book of First Samuel. The decision was made at that time to give the church the name of First Samuel.

By 1957, the building at 9th and Paca became too small for the congregation. The decision was made to buy a lot and build a church. The lot at 729 North California Street was purchased and the construction of the new church proceeded, with Rev. Smith helping, along with the other members.

In July 1958, First Samuel marching from 9th and Paca Street to the new Location on California Street. The Lord blessed and the membership increased and many young ministers were under the loves God, Rev. Peter Fenton. Rev Fenton was installed on July 15, 1989 as the pastor of First Samuel Church.

Since that time the spirit has filled the church with wisdom and knowledge. The word has been expounded to God's people. We thank God for our pastor, Rev. Peter Fenton.

Under his leadership, we have grown physically and spiritually, we are praying around the clock for the Lord to continue to pour out his anointing on our pastor and church. We have been blessed to outgrow this building, soon and very soon we will be moving to our new building on Cold Spring Road. First Samuel left California Street by motorcade and marched into the new and present location. The morning message was delivered by Rev. Samuel Turner of Detroit Michigan. Rev. Smith continued to labor in a humble spirit and on August 17, 1977, God called him from labor to rest. The church mourned but as soldiers we picked up and moved on.

We elected Rev. James Smith the pastor of First Samuel. We loving called him Rev. Jimmy. Rev. Jimmy often made the statement "It's not how long a man lives, but how well he lives." His pastorage was short and he was called home on August 21, 1983 after only 6 years of service.

Rev. A.L. Cain of Houston, Texas was called to Pastor in April 1984. Many changes took place and Pastor Cain later organized and began Jordan River Church.

God smiled on First Samuel and touched the members to select one of our own. A devout, humble, kind and loving family man, who We continue to thank God for our Church, Pastor Fenton and his Leadership.