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History of East Durham / Faith Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church

East Durham Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church was founded in 1944 in the East Durham community, known as "Factory Hill," in Durham, North Carolina, under the leadership of Rev. Samuel C. Williams. The church began through faithful outreach, as members went from house to house sharing the Gospel. The original membership included Rev. Samuel C. Williams, his wife Sis. Dinah Williams, Rev. Murlee Owens, and others.

The church was organized under the jurisdiction of the Southern District Convocation of the United Holy Church of America, under Charter #16427. In its early years, worship services were held in a tent, and later moved into a brick veneer storefront that had no running water and no bathroom facilities.

In October 1952, the Southern District Convocation appointed the second pastor of the church, Elder Charlie Valton McCoy, a man known for being large in stature, but humble in heart. Under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous growth.

During the early 1960s, urban renewal came through the East Durham community and the church was informed that it would have to relocate to make room for the construction of an expressway. Although relocation was required, Pastor McCoy and the members were determined to remain in the East Durham community, where much of the congregation still lived.

Through fasting and prayer, Elder McCoy and the membership sought God for property located at the end of Troy Street. At first, the owner, Mr. Clair Herndon was unwilling to sell. However, after continued prayer, fasting, and supplication, the owner’s heart changed, and he later sold the property to the church.

Construction of the new church edifice began, and the building was completed in 1969. During the construction period, worship services were held in the basement of a neighbor's home located at 666 Troy Street.

After the completion of the new church in 1969, the congregation marched from the old location to the new church on the First Sunday in November 1969, singing:
"We Have Come This Far By Faith, Leaning On The Lord."

Because the land and new site were obtained through faith, it was also at this time that the name of the church was changed to: Faith Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church

Also in 1969, the Western North Carolina District Convocation was organized, and Faith was no longer under the Southern District Convocation. Instead, it became part of the Western North Carolina District Convocation of the United Holy Church.