HOME Church

The HOME Church (UPCI) of Johnson City, TX had its humble beginnings in the living room of Shelton and Billie Fluitt in February of 1957. This couple felt the call to start a Home Missions work in the home town of Lyndon B. Johnson and so The Johnson City United Pentecostal church (original church name) was born.

The 12 charter members (5 adults and 7 children) of The HOME Church soon outgrew the Fluitt’s living room and purchased 4 prime acres on Highway 290 West just within the city limits. This new property included both a four bedroom house, which the Fluitts moved into, and a shop building which they remodeled and used as the church building until the property was paid for.

After the land was debt free, an architect member of the church designed a scale model of the next church building referred to many as “The Dome Top Church,” for its dome-shaped roof. Soon after, the old shop building was demolished, and construction began on the new dome-shaped edifice. During this transition, early HOME Church members congregated in a metal building on the Fluitt’s ranch, and in times of cold weather met in the ranch house living room.

In February of 1964, members of The HOME Church held their first service in the new building, a monumental way to celebrate their 7 year anniversary! For 38 years service was held in the dome-shaped building, and through those years many conversions, healings, miracles, and works of the Spirit took place! There were also a few changes in pastoral leadership, until our current pastor Rev. Gregory Steele took the reins.

Also during the following years Crescencio Cruz, a Spanish minister, was brought on staff to head up a Spanish church as there was a great need for Spanish ministry in Johnson City. With a Spanish ministry in place and 38 years of steady growth the need for a new building arose. Soon after, the church purchased 7 acres on Highway 281 North, the exact same property on which the church started back in 1957. Of course the house was no longer standing, but the property was the same.

Over the next few years, men and women from the church sacrificed their time and effort to clear the land, and erect a new building. This was made possible by the many talented carpenters and builders in attendance.

On Sunday, July 25, 2003 the members of The HOME Church paraded through the small town of Johnson City from the old dome-shaped church all the way to the new edifice on Highway 281. Not only did we change buildings but we changed names from The Johnson City United Pentecostal Church, to The HOME Church, House of Mercy and Evangelism.

About a year later, August 18, 2004, Rev. Shelton Fluitt, one of our church pioneers passed away. The dream he and his wife had years ago to pioneer a church in Johnson City, TX had come to pass! His wife Sis. Billie Fluitt still lives and resides in Johnson City and is still a beloved member of The HOME Church. Rev. Gregory Steele is the current pastor, Rev. Crescencio Cruz is still pastor of the Spanish congregation, and we look forward to a bright future!