HISTORY
Talco Bethel C.O.G.I.C began in the early 1950’s at the home of Sis. Shonnie Savage. From Sis. Savage’s, we journeyed to White Oak C.O.G.I.C and served under the leadership of Elder Harold Tudman.
We left White Oak to begin our own mission. We entered into a building that was once used as a café. Missionary Carry Ellis was our leader. We moved into a better location called the Prayer Room that was located behind our current church. Bishop D. L. Smith became our pastor during this time. He came from New York on a regular basis until he moved to Fort Worth, TX. This small mission had several associate pastors. They were Elder H. Tudman, Elder Charlie Lee, and Elder Washington. Elder Washington was also musician. God blessed and many souls were saved.
Later Elder Sammy Williams of Clarksville, Texas helped us to purchase building materials to construct a new and bigger building located on Wilson Street across from Bro. and Sis. Morris Brown. Again many, many souls from Talco and surrounding areas were saved.
God blessed us under the leadership of Bishop Smith and Missy. Smith to build our current facility. God really blessed us. Under his leadership, Rev Troy D. Brown served as assistant Pastor. Bro. Morris Brown, Bro. Thelma Curtis and Bro. Willie Maxwell served on the Deacon board. There were also many powerful women added to the church; Mother Margaret Curtis, Missy. Jenette Brown, Mother Mae Boyd, Missy. Florence Savage and Mother Marie Norman who also served as the Sunshine Band Leader. These mighty women of God guided many on their journey into the Kingdom of God. They traveled to many places to worship with other saints. Thank God for the structure, discipline, and training of Bishop D.L. Smith.
In 1994, God called Bishop Smith home, and his son Elder Jimmy Smith became our pastor. We thank God for the leadership of Elder Smith. During his time, Elder Troy Brown and Minister Cleveland Cannon served as vital members of the church, as well as our very own, Missy. Darlene Newton. Unfortunately, in 2014, the church was left without a pastor. But this did not stop us. The church was held together by the mighty saints of God and the community. With the strength, power of prayer, and determination to keeping going from Elder Brown, Sis. Linda, Missy. Newton, and Sis Velma Ellis, Talco Bethel was able to weather the storm.
In December 2015, God answered our prayers once again. We were introduced to Elder Kelly M. Stevens, Sr. and his family. In January 2016 he was elected by the members and appointed by Bishop Don V. Nobles. He was officially installed as Pastor in August 2016. Under his leadership and teaching, we continue to grow stronger and develop a love for God and the willingness to serve His people. He continues to demonstrate that Talco Bethel is yet alive and home of the Holy Ghost Headquartes.
In 2017, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Stevens initiated the process of transferring our church from the Texas Lone Star Jurisdiction. This was done with much prayer and meditation. It was a very dark and trying period for us. But once again, God favored us and we came out victorious. In November, we officially moved into the Texas Northeast 3rd Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Nelson J. Gatlin. It has been a long and treacherous journey, but by the grace of God we continue to thrive. We are truly “Celebrating a Glorious past & Embracing A Promising Future.”