The first service of Abundant Life Pentecostal Church was held on September 7, 1975 in the “Green Room” of the Yamhill County Fairgrounds. Pastor William Davies and his wife, along with their 13 month-old son, Matthew, had moved to McMinnville the previous July. There were eight people there that first Sunday. During the first year, while meeting on Sundays in the “Green Room” and having a mid-week meeting in their home, six new people were filled with the Holy Ghost, and several were baptized.
The fledgling congregation moved after that first year to the VFW hall, meeting there every Sunday. In November of 1977, the congregation moved to their present location at 1145 NW Wallace Road, into the Phase I facility. The Lord had led Pastor Davies to the property and miraculously made a way for the men of the church to build a 2880 square foot building. It was only the beginning of many miracles!
In the fall of 1980, a Christian School was started in one of the Sunday School rooms— another miracle! In 1981, construction began on an educational addition with classrooms and offices. Upon it’s completion, the School moved into this new building, Phase II.
On Labor-Day week-end 1992, during the Anniversary services, visiting ministers and the faithful Saints of the Church watched as Pastor Davies, shovel in hand, broke the ground for Phase III, where the congregation presently worships. Two and a half years later, the congregation moved into the new facility. On the following Labor-Day, Phase III was dedicated and the congregation celebrated their 20th anniversary!!
The congregation continues to celebrate their beginning year after year with an annual Labor Day Preaching Conference, inviting ministers and friends to join them for a powerful series of services, fellowship and good food. In 2012, their 37th year was noted. The church continues to provide an approved and high-quality Christian School, now in their 33rd year. Phase III houses Abundant Life Bookstore, open daily to the public, providing a place to find Bibles, books, music and gifts.
In 1998, Pastor Davies launched daily prayer in the Sanctuary, and it has proven to be a blessing to many. The Lord has answered many prayers and changed lives as a result. Pastor Davies leads Abundant Life Pentecostal Church with vision and a passion to reach this community with the TRUTH of God’s Word. He encourages them to draw closer to God, seek for “the old paths” and give of themselves to help others find salvation and a real purpose for living.
