The reason for starting the church was that God was moving in Great Britain and other places in the world, by pouring out the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with the accompanying miracles, signs and wonders, which our founders were convinced was of God, and for our time. The Church began in 1945 in the Oddfellows Hall, St.Mary Street, Southampton. At the time it was known as Southampton Pentecostal Mission. In October 1947 a new building, constructed by voluntary labour, was opened at 79 Millbrook Road, Southampton and work continued at this location for the next 20 years, the church had two pastors, these being:

Following the construction of the Millbrook Park Estate and the establishment of a small work ( lead by Brian Parnell and followed by Barry Benney ) on the present site in 1960, we eventually took over the original part of the building on the 7th May 1967. Since then we have maintained a strong Christian witness in the Millbrook area, not only reaching people in other parts of the city, but also providing a base for missionary activity world-wide.

Oddfellows Hall, in the City centre, photo taken about 1975	Southampton Pentecostal Mission, Millbrook Road, photo taken about 1948.	Church Of The Open Door the first building on the present site

The name Pentecostal is taken from the Jewish feast of Pentecost which was held 50 days after Passover each year; and it was on this day nearly 2000 years ago, following Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension, that the promise He had made to baptise with the Holy Spirit took place   Therefore it was a natural progression to name those who have been so baptised as 'Pentecostals'. There are many branches of the Pentecostal church, and we are members of the British 'Assemblies of God', and part of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement which now numbers tens of millions world-wide.

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