April was the month, and 1949 was the year, a new district of the United Pentecostal Church was born!  In 1945, the United Pentecostal Church resulted as a merger between the Pentecostal Church Inc. and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ.  The Southern District was composed of the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  In April of 1949, at the Southern District Conference at Bemis Pentecostal Church in Jackson, the resolution was passed to have each state become their own district.  Bro. W. M. Greer was elected District Superintendent of the Tennessee District and served in that office for 29 years.  Twenty four churches made up the district at its inception.  Other officers serving at its beginning were District Secretary E.E. McNatt, Sunday School Director J.O. Wallace, Conquers President J.O. Moore, and five presbyters: Bro J.W. Wallace, E.J. Ross, O.W. Williams, J.H. Austin, and E.J. Douglas. 

Another step forward for the fledging district was the purchase of land for a campground in 1950 in Perryville, TN.  August of 1951 the first Camp Meeting was held on this property with Bro. & Sis. Norman Paslay as camp evangelists.  This campground, known as “Holiness Hill” holds many fond memories to many Tennessee Pentecostals as they attended exciting Camps, Youth Camps, and other activities where God’s spirit was so wonderfully poured out.  Finally the district out grew that property and it was sold in 1993.  In 1994 the District purchased 65 acres in Bon Aqua, TN and in 1999 a new facility was opened.  In 1973 a district office was built in Jackson, TN. 

Bro. L.H. Benson served as District Superintendent from 1978-1995, and Bro. Wayne Chester served from 1995-2005.  These men gave outstanding leadership to the Tennessee District. 

Now the District has 160 churches with over 350 ministers that are actively stepping into the next 60 years with faith, vitality, and expectancy of what God is doing, and will continue to do.  From the Smokies of East Tennessee to the Mississippi River at Memphis we are experiencing revival and growth.  Come Grow with us!