In 1978 God called a couple from Texas, Rev. Sam Smith (1934-2006) & his wife Donna, to begin a work in New England. On March 4, 1979, Faith Christian Center’s first service was held at the Roger Williams Grange Hall in East Providence, RI with twelve people in attendance.
Roger Williams Grange Hall – E. Providence, RI 1st service – 03. 4. 1979 – Pastor Sam on far right
We soon outgrew the Grange Hall and moved into the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church in Rumford, RI by March 1980.
FCC holding services at First Baptist Church in Rumford, RI (1980)
With our numbers steadily on the rise, it was necessary to find a location where we could rent our own space, set up offices, and make ourselves at home. We moved into the Briarwood Shopping Plaza in Seekonk, MA in the fall of 1981.
FCC held services at the Briarwood Shopping Plaza in Seekonk, MA from 1981-1987.
After continued growth, we purchased 32 acres of land on Sagamore Road in Seekonk, MA in August 1983. Property that was formerly a landfill would now be utilized for God’s kingdom.
Faith Christian Center’s current location as it looked in 1983.
We broke ground in April of 1986. In the summer of 1987, construction was completed and we officially opened the doors of our new location.
Faith Christian Center as it looked after its original construction – Summer, 1987
On August 2, 1987, Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin, founder of RHEMA Bible Training Center, dedicated FCC’s new facility. Pastor Sam was a graduate of RHEMA’s charter class in 1975.
Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin speaking at FCC’s building dedication – August 2, 1987
After 20 years of ministry in New England, Pastor Sam & Donna retired in 1999. During his years of ministry at FCC, Pastor Sam was a pastor to many pastors and continued to fill that role until he went home to be with the Lord in June, 2006.
Pastor Sam & Donna Smith
In January of 2000, Pastor Sam & Donna returned to their native land of Texas. He delegated the pastorate to his associate pastor, Rev. David Marquard, who pastored FCC from 2000-2008.
In December of 2008, Pastor John L. Pfeffer, Jr. became senior pastor of FCC. Pastor John graduated from RHEMA Bible Training Center in 1982, and had served as a senior pastor and School of Ministry director during the 1980s.
Becoming a member of FCC in 1989, he has since served as an elder, Group Care Leader, New Members Class & Spiritual Authority teacher, associate pastor and School of Ministry director. Pastor John stands in the office of pastor & teacher, and serves FCC along with Anita his wife of nearly 45 years.
Pastor John & Anita Pfeffer