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(Tribute to Rev. David Elms, Pastor Emeritus)

Rev. David Elms, Pastor EmeritusRev. David Elms, Pastor Emeritus

June 19, 1975 is a very special day in the lives of the David Elms family. He remembers it as a long drive on Interstate 85, hoping to be in the city limits of Charlotte before dark – racing the setting sun. That has been a continuing theme through the years as the church is called to "work while it is day, for night cometh…".

Rev. David Elms’ ministry began 30 years ago. He was graduating from San Diego State University when he received his call into the ministry. He received his degree in Secondary Education and had planned to teach High School before the Lord changed his direction. In 1973, the Elms and their three children packed into a 28’ motor home and hit the evangelistic field. God blessed their ministry in California, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with souls born into the Kingdom.

Sister Elms - Wife of Rev. David Elms

Sister Elms - Wife of Rev. David Elms

Bro. Elms was doing research on fast growing Pentecostal churches. They stopped in Charlotte for a few days. During those days they were impressed with the beauty of Charlotte and the people of the city. They were not looking for a church at that time but just seeking to do God’s will. They did not know anyone in Charlotte. They drove by the small church building on Howie Circle and looked at each other and said, "this beautiful city needs a beautiful church." Not knowing, not thinking that God was already beginning to pull on their hearts for Charlotte, NC. Bro. Elms completed his writing and said good-by to Charlotte.

They drove to the small town of De Leon, Texas the kickoff another Revival. The first folks who arrived for church that night began talking to Bro. Elms, asking where he had been traveling. Bro. Elms told them they had just spent a few days in Charlotte and these folks asked, "Did you know that Charlotte needs a Pastor?"

God confirmed the call in many more ways. The Elms came and preached over a week-end and it felt like" home" to them. They accepted the Pastorate of the First United Pentecostal Church of Charlotte in May of 1975 and arrived in the city on June 19th, 1975. Like the Biblical David, the eighth son of Jesse, Bro. David Elms became the eighth pastor of the Charlotte church.

Pastor Elms relates: "We began with door-to-door visitation seeking for hungry hearts. The ‘Gospel Wagon’ was loaded up on many Friday nights for outdoor street-meetings. We took the organ, piano, guitars, drums, and tambourine, along with the church P A system. Lord prospered our efforts. People were delivered from alcohol and drugs, delivered from sin. God gave us many outstanding services, and memories, in those early days."
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