The Pentecostals of Lee Road Church is located in north Covington, Louisiana at 17700 Hwy 40 near Barker’s Corner, just east of Folsom, Louisiana. You can find us by driving up Lee Road (highway 437) to the four way stop sign (also known as Barkers corner), turn left onto Hwy 40/437 and drive for approximately 3 miles, look for us on the left. Click here to view a map.
OUR HERITAGE
The Pentecostals of Lee Road claims its beginning in Acts 2, which is agreed upon by all groups as the official birth date of the Christian church. We hold the conviction that true believers continue to grow until they are born again of water and Spirit confirmed by a supernatural language, as exampled in Acts 2. We answer questioning seekers with the same instructions Peter gave to those who believed on Jesus in Acts 2:37. He answered: “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
We believe the same birth of water and Spirit experienced by those first believers is God’s promise to everyone and is vital to any Christian’s growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout history those who practiced and defended this original blueprint were martyred–their voices suppressed. But we support that the original Apostolic practices continued, nonetheless.
In January of 1901, seekers from many denominations met in a Bible school in Topeka, KS. Why? To pray for the Holy Spirit outpouring they read about in Acts 2. They prayed and fasted for days. Finally, the Spirit fell on them as it did on believers in the beginning. Holy Ghost revivals sprang up everywhere. Misunderstood and persecuted, their numbers continued to grow. These ‘tongue talkers’ were called ‘Pentecostals’. See our “What We Believe” page for more information.
We belong to the United Pentecostal Church International. The UPCI was formed in 1945 by two merging groups: The Pentecostal Church and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Currently, the UPCI has a presence in 143 nations, is comprised of approximately 4 million constituents, with over 4,100 churches and more than 9,000 ministers. We are committed to spread this Apostolic message locally, nationally and internationally. Our local church joins with those in our denomination to support home and foreign missionaries to minister where the message is yet to be heard. Many of our POLR members, including our youth, have traveled overseas to support, train, preach and build facilities.3
OUR HISTORY
The Pentecostals of Lee Road emerged from passionate prayer meetings in the home of Tom and Doritha Byers around 1953. Bobby and Mae Hickman with their three children traveled across the river from Mt. Zion UPC to hold a tent revival where many were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. In 1954, our first property was purchased and the original cinder block building was raised.
OUR PRESENT
In 1981, Rick Maricelli came with his wife, Donna, and their two children, Jathan and Chrysta to assist the senior pastor, Donald Thornton. Our average attendance was about 58. Our church family worked together and filled the old building. Over the next 10 years, we raised funds and built the current sanctuary we now occupy. In 1989, Pastor Maricelli became senior pastor. That same year, we dedicated this building with approximately 120 in membership. Over the next few years, new people continued to join us. Leaders were trained to carry the load of this growing church. Soon this building was filled.
In February of 2005, due to lack of seating and a growing group of new believers in the Mandeville area, we bought a building and launched a daughter church. The Pentecostals of Mandeville. Forty POLR members were sacrificed to plant this new church. They continue to add new members and excel in growth.
Today, we rejoice in yet another expanding group in the Loranger area under the leadership of Denny and Michelle Jenkins. For three years, they’ve met on Sunday nights. In the fall of 2008, we purchased five acres in Loranger to build a church. Over the past few months, this group has outgrown their former meeting place and now leases the American Legion Hall.
OUR FUTURE
Currently, we have a 10 year plan to build a family center, educational space, memorial garden and children’s playground to be shared by our church family and this community. We are praying for divine provision to move ahead on this project.
Over the next year, we plan to equip and train the Loranger core group to launch. Many gaps will be open that provide opportunity for new volunteers and leadership at POLR.
Locally, we are committed to make a difference in Lee Road community. We provide appreciation luncheons and gifts for our teachers. We provide tutoring for 1st graders. We are always looking for new ways to support our law enforcement, local fire departments and community efforts.
We will continue to provide a welcoming place for new people, a growing place for all people and a passionate sanctuary of praise and prayer for Jesus Christ.