History of The Church
The Clarksville Church of God was organized May 28, 1954 in a rented building on Highway 41-A in New Providence. There were 10 people who became charter members of the church on this date. Rev. L.C. Green was appointed as first Pastor of the church.
In October 1954, the local church borrowed monies, not to exceed $5500, for the purpose of constructing a church basement on Greenfield Drive. In 1957, Rev. Fred Whisman became the Pastor of the church, which was still considered a mission church with monthly tithes of only $28.00. Rev. Whisman remained pastor for one year and was succeeded by Rev. James Prentice.
Rev. James Bandy assumed the pastorate in 1959. At this time, the church was still meeting in the newly constructed basement on Greenfield Drive. Seeing the need for a better sanctuary, Rev. Bandy led the church in plans to build a new sanctuary. Many people sacrificed and freely gave of their time, talents, energy, and finances to see the vision of a new sanctuary become a reality. During the construction phase of this sanctuary, the church met in a tent across the street from the church location. The construction was finalized and the new sanctuary was ready for its first worship service in 1961.
In 1962, Rev. Bandy resigned and Rev. Winfred Petty served as Pastor for six months. During the tenure of Rev. Petty, the church experienced a mighty move of God and the church enjoyed spiritual revival.
Later in 1962, Rev. Fred Cook assumed the role of pastor. Not only did he bring a time of great leadership, but Bro. Cook led the church into a time of cosmetic enhancement of the church facilities by bricking the church on Greenfield Drive. In 1965, a church parsonage was purchased at 1444 Paradise Hill Road.
During a three month stay of Rev. Arvell Hurst as pastor, the church was able to purchase new furniture for the parsonage.
Rev. J.C. Hale followed in April of 1968. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Hale, plans were begun to relocate the church. Rev. Hale served for 15 months and was succeeded by Rev. Lee Southerland in 1969.
In August of 1972, Rev. Harvey Turner became the pastor of the church. During his leadership, the tithe record was broken many times, debts paid off, a building fund started, a bus ministry initiated, the church property sold to Apostolic Faith Church and land was purchased at the present location in late 1975. The church relocated and had its first worship service in the present location in September 1976.
Other pastors followed Rev. Turner and served the local church well. Rev. Robert Blackwood, Rev. Jerry Barnwell, and Rev. Sam Youngblood served as pastors. Rev. Youngblood was pastor for 13 years. During his tenure as pastor many things were accomplished that helped the church greatly. Some of these accomplishments were the building of the Family Life Center and the expansion of the Promiseland Preschool Academy.
Rev. Dwight Peterson followed in September 1996. He led the church into increased membership, increased tithes, and physical enhancement of the present facilities. He also led the remodeling project of the parsonage.
In October 1999, Rev. Ron Smith assumed the role as pastor. Followed by Rev. Johnny House who pastored for 3 1/2 years, 2003 to 2006.
NOW....Rev. Paul Nolan is our new pastor. He joined us in October 2006 and his leadership has already proven to be a God-send for our church. We can't wait to see just what God does through this powerful preacher of the Word.