History Faith Outreach was been ministering in the Peninsula area since 1931. It was been responsible for church plants in Poquoson, Newport News and Williamsburg and helped with the building of a church in the jungles of India. It has produced ministers in a variety of Christian Ministries. 1931 The need for a Pentecostal Holiness Church on the Peninsula burned within the hearts of the leaders in the Baltimore Conference. With a dedicated will a small group of believers set forth to accomplish this purpose. The Newport News Pentecostal Holiness Church has its origin in homes located in the city with Rev. J.A. Synan and Rev.L.C. Synan in charge of the service. As soon as it could be arranged in a feasible manner, the group of worshippers rented a small store building on 42nd street. As a mission, there were souls added to Heaven’s record. Mrs. Ida Pugh was the first person saved and also the first person to be baptized in water. 1932 Rev. L.B. Edge came to lead the flock as pastor and organized the church as a member of the Baltimore Conference. (Due to the increase of churches in the Virginia districts of the Conference, it was decided to establish the Eastern Virginia Conference.) Rev. O.E. Spruill, Superintendent of the Baltimore Conference was delighted that the new field of opportunity had become a reality. The first deacons of the Newport News Church were Harry Israel, Hermon Ragland, and W.B. Clemons. 1933 To better serve the membership, another location for worship was desired, so a small building on 25th street was rented. 1934 Rev. E.W. Ward came from Elizabeth City, North Carolina to pastor at the 25th street address. 1936 After three years it was necessary to relocate. This could have been discouraging because the congregation moved to 27th street and Chestnut Avenue where services were held on the third floor, over a store. It was difficult for many to climb the flights of stairs. However, when service began, it was worthwhile! God heard prayers and answered needs. 1937 This could be considered a Red Letter Year for the Newport News Church. The worshipers moved from third floor to first floor in the same building. Though finances were low, spirits were high. It was possible for the members to purchase a home and a vacant lot on 25th street. Rev. Ward was able to make this home his parsonage. At Conference, Rev. H.T. Spence was sent from Richmond First Church to Newport News. 1938-1939 During these years a new church was built on the lot adjacent to the parsonage. At that time, money was scarce, but faith was strong. Mr. Z.A. Ashe, a non-church member, went on a bank note with Mr. H.D. Jones and borrowed six thousand dollars for cost of the church building. This church was used by the congregation for twenty years and was then sold for twelve thousand dollars. 1940 Rev. R.L. Gore became pastor of the church. War clouds were gathering and industry was increasing. This brought many new faces to the Peninsula and to the church. 1940-1948 Rev. W.E. Unthank was sent from Richmond to Newport News to pastor. During his pastorate, Rev. Unthank purchased his own home. Then, the parsonage was torn down, enlarging the area around the church. 1948-1952 After serving many years as a missionary in Africa, Rev. H.B. Johnson came home to the United States. At conference time, he was sent to Newport News as a pastor. Because there was no parsonage available now, a home for the pastor and his family was rented on 52nd street. 1952 At the close of four years of service, Rev. Johnson transferred to Alexandria and Rev. J.D. Roberts came to Newport News as the first full time pastor. 1956 With post was years prosperity showing membership and financial growth, dreams were to locate property in a more desirable location and for expansion. As a real answer to prayer, the Fowler Brother of Fowler Lumber Company, donated land on Military Highway, now known as Mercury Boulevard, to the church. A brick parsonage was soon constructed on this property. Rev. L. H. Garner came as pastor. He and his family moved in to enjoy the new parsonage for more than twenty years. 1958 As soon as financially able the membership made plans for a larger church to be built on the property next door to the parsonage. The first Sunday in January, 1959 was a memorable one. The congregation had their first service in their new church in Hampton. The first revival at Greenwood was conducted by Rev. J.A. Synan and Rev. L.C. Synan. The first convert was Douglas Patterson, who continues to love and serve God at the same location. A name change for the Newport News Church was inevitable. Therefore, the new name Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church. This name gave more identity as to its locations. 1966 With a need for more space to be used as Sunday school rooms, offices, Junior Church, etc. work began on an Educational Building. This two story building was attached to the church in a fashion that created graceful lines within as well as without. 1968 A house located on a lot behind the church was purchased and remodeled as a fellowship center. Meetings were held in the home-like atmosphere. However, it became necessary to remove the house to make way for more parking spaces for the church. Greenwood has been remodeled twice and beautiful stained windows added. 1977 Rev. Garner was given a housing allowance, and moved into his own home. The vacated parsonage was later remodeled as a beautiful Fellowship Hall. The surrounding area became useful as more parking space was provided. 1980 In early 1980 Rev. Garner announced his decision to leave the peninsula. He was transferred to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Rev. Larry P. Jones, one who had grown up in the local church, came from the Alexandria Church to accept the pastorate at Greenwood. 1985 In September of 1985, Pete Jones left to start a new work and Eddie White became pastor. 1986 On February 3, 1986, the name was officially changed from Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church to Faith Outreach Church. 1994 In June, Mason Clark began as pastor. During this period the church and school experienced growth. 2000 In 2000, Mason Clark resigned as pastor. The commitment of the church members with the help of many intern pastors allowed the ministry to remain open. During these struggling years, the members that remained held to the belief that God was not yet finished with this ministry. 2004 Don and Crystal Caskie begin to pastor in a time the church was struggling for life. They were able to breathe life back into the church and under their leadership the church begin to grow again. The Caskie gave the church and the school direction. 2008 In August 2008, Pastor Joey left The Ark International Church in Nags Head, North Carolina to pastor Faith Outreach Church. Building off the rich history of the church, we are fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for Faith Outreach Church on the peninsula. 2009 Faith Outreach opened its facilities and resources to Templo Pentecostal Senda Antigua. Templo Pentecostal Senda Antigua is a ministry to the Hispanic Community in Hampton and Newport News. 2010 Building off the rich history of the church and the foundation of the Caskie’s, the church launched its revised mission and vision. In 2010, we have seen much accomplished from the launch of our Embrace and clothing ministry to the make-over of our foyer and nursery. Also, the school has seen growth and development. We know this is just the beginning of the things that will be accomplished at Faith Outreach Church. *All information from 1931 until 1980 was gathered by Rev. Larry Jones ** All information from 1980 until Present was gathered by Pastor Joey