At The Lighthouse you will find family. When you join us for our service you will be welcome as a friend, experience authentic worship, and hear relevant biblical teaching.
Our Sunday service starts at 10:00 am with classes for all ages and lasts about 45 minutes. Adults meet in the sanctuary and students and children meet in our student ministry center. At 10:50 we have a short break with refreshments. Our worship service starts at 11:00 am and lasts about 90 minutes.
On Sunday evenings we meet in our connect groups in various locations. These offer an opportunity to discuss biblical principles which are relevant for today, pray for needs, and connect with others.
On Wednesday’s we meet at 7:30 pm for one hour to study the Bible more in depth through age appropriate classes.
Whether you are trying church for the first time or moving into the area and looking for a church home, we are excited to have you here and hope to see you soon.
Our History
The Lighthouse of Pacific stands as a testament of God’s grace and to men whose integrity and faithfulness has guided it through difficult times. The church was started for a period of four years then was non-existent for ten years. In 1980, the Lighthouse was again started and continues today as a beacon of hope in the Pacific region.
In August 1966, Reverend and Mrs. James Gabel came to Pacific, MO with a vision to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing and discipleship. After renting the Masonic Lodge and starting the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Pacific, Brother and Sister Gabel begin to reach out to the community and surrounding area. They begin to pick up children for Sunday School each week, using their vehicle as transportation and sometimes having to get the children dressed.
In 1967, a building at 202 St. Louis Street in Pacific was accommodated and after much cleaning the congregation moved to this new location. Missionary Cecil Sullivan received the Holy Ghost during this time and eventually became a missionary to the Philippines. With much sacrifice and love of souls and with the blessings of God, Brother and Sister Gabel saw a small congregation of worshippers develop.
In 1970, after four years in Pacific, Brother Gabel was called to be the pastor of First United Pentecost Church of Washington where he served for thirty-three years as pastor. Most of the small congregation followed him to Washington or went other places. For ten years no apostolic voice was heard in Pacific.
In 1980, Revered and Mrs. Meyer Sanders came to Pacific with a burden to start a truth preaching church for evangelizing and discipleship. Starting in a home, Brother and Sister Sanders sought to love the community and teach and preach biblical truth. Eventually a building was found and the congregation moved to 318 West Osage Street in Pacific. With much sacrifice, the anointing and favor of God, a church was established in the city of Pacific that is a lighthouse for hurting souls.
Under Brother Sanders’ ministry, the congregation grew as new souls were added to the church. During the first year, Brother Sanders had a vision of a church on a hill overlooking the city. He begin to preach to a congregation of forty-seven about a sanctuary that would seat two hundred. In 1981 the foundation was poured at 1969 Hogan Road for a new building that can seat approximately 150-200 and that sits on a hill overlooking the city of Pacific. Through Brother and Sister Sanders faithfulness and vision, a lighthouse was established for lost and hurting souls to find peace and safety. The church continued to evangelize Pacific and to disciple new believers into the Kingdom of God.
Brother Sanders continued to serve as pastor until 1985. At this time Reverend Huey Long and his family are elected as pastor of the Lighthouse. The Long’s continued as pastor for approximately five years. Following Brother Long as pastor was Reverend Michael Tarr and family. Brother Tarr served as pastor until 1994. These men continued the efforts to evangelize the community of Pacific and make disciples and the Lighthouse continued to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ.
In 1994, Reverend and Mrs. T.C. Wilkins were elected pastor of the congregation in Pacific. Through Brother and Sister Wilkins faithful leadership and guidance the Lighthouse weathered many storms and the congregation of 13 begin to grow.
Under Brother and Sister Wilkins leadership much needed updates were made to the facilities. The parking lot was paved and new siding was put on the cedar sided building. A check was given to the church to assist with the siding expenses and through God’s blessing it was for the exact amount of the siding.
Through Brother Wilkins capable teaching and preaching, the church caught the vision of outreaching the community. At times the entire congregation was involved in efforts to bring new people to church. Van loads of children and adults were transported each week and God honored by filling with His Spirit. The church continued to reach into the community through nursing home ministry using puppets and by holding services in the community.
Brother Wilkins continued to teach and preach revival. He had a vision for a new building. In 2006, ground was broke on a new facility that would seat 300. The congregation moved into this facility in 2007, where the congregation continued to grow.
In 2004, after prayer and fasting, Brother Wilkins invited Reverend Cecil Boswell and his family to join the pastoral team of the Lighthouse where he served as associate pastor. Brother and his family bought into the vision of the church, evangelizing and discipleship and began to teach bible studies. He encouraged both youth and elders find someone to connect with and teach them a bible study.
In 2010, Brother Boswell was elected as Pastor of the Lighthouse. Brother and Sister Wilkins were elected as Bishop of the church and continue to faithfully serve the church family. Brother Boswell continued to preach and teach the vision of reaching the community of Pacific. The mission of the church captured the heart of the congregation and members begin to initiate new ministries that sought to assist those in need and honor those who serve as first responders in the greater Pacific region.
Continuing to fulfill the mission of Christ, the church is launching new endeavors to connect with people the region. Though prayer meetings in home, home fellowship groups that include biblical teaching, prayer and fellowship, the congregation is furthering the Kingdom of God.
The Lighthouse of Pacific continues today because of the integrity, faithfulness, and vision of men and women such as Brother and Sister James Gabel, Brother and Sister Meyer Sanders and Brother and Sister T.C. Wilkins. Under the leadership of Brother and Sister Boswell the church continues to fulfill the Great Commission given to the church, go to the world and preach the gospel message. Through the vision and passion of the congregation, the Lighthouse will continue to serve as a bastion of hope for the greater Pacific region.
