Church history

The church began in 1961 when God laid a burden on the hearts of Rev. and Mrs. W.W. Gilmore to come to what was then called the Carolina District.

In 1963, Rev. Gilmore founded the new work as First United Pentecostal Church and was located in Charlotte, North Carolina for one year. It was during that time, that God gave them a burden and a dream to build a church in Gastonia. In 1968, a house was rented on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Union Road where the church began to grow.

Property was purchased on 91 May Street and the plans were laid to build a church. Through their burden and sacrifice, this dream became a reality in 1972. 

In March 2011, Rev. Gilmore went to be with the Lord after pastoring the church for over 40 years. In May of the same year, Sister Marie Gilmore joined her husband to be with the Lord.

At that time, Rev Billy Campbell and his wife came to Gastonia to follow in their footsteps and pastor the church. Under their direction and ministry, the church was remodeled and renewed. Rev. Campbell went on to his reward in the year 2020 and his wife followed shortly behind him. We are thankful for the legacy they have left behind.

Through a series of God ordained events, Rev. Billy Chapman was installed as Pastor in December of that same year and changed the name of the church to The Rock Church of Gastonia. He and his family have brought a renewed vision and hope for continued revival.