Our story is not a story of great faith; it is a story of ​faith in a Great God. Launched on October 29, 1887, ​the First ARP Church of Gastonia was organized with a ​membership of 47 faith-filled people. Missions work ​launched in 1913 and our thriving congregation soon ​outgrew our original meeting space and stepped out in ​faith in a new meeting space in February 1918.

During the next several decades, God continued to ​grow our faith. During the depression, when many ​families left Gaston County to move elsewhere to find ​work, the congregation of First ARP Church of Gastonia ​continued to believe God would provide

In 1947 this congregation felt God calling them to ​continue to expand in ministry, and they stepped out in ​faith and purchased a piece of property on Chester ​Street, where our current church building now resides. ​The new church building was completed and dedicated ​on November 14, 1948.

Since that time membership, missions, giving, ministry, ​and staff have all continued to grow. A new education ​building was built in 2002. Gaston Community Church ​was planted in 2008. From 2016-2019 the entire campus ​of First ARP underwent a major renovation, with ​increased parking, and a new Ministry Activity Center ​(MAC).

And this is just the beginning of all that God wants to ​accomplish through First ARP! So, stay tuned – God is ​still at work. To Him alone be the glory.