In 1955, Elder R F Davis came to Rowland, North Carolina along with his wife, Iolar B. Davis and their children spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had already established churches in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, Latta, South Carolina and Marion, South Carolina.

Elder Davis ministered from house to house throughout the small town of Rowland. Some of the pioneers that opened their doors for him were: Mother Edith McDaniel, Deacon Willie McDaniel, Deacon Lonzer and Sister Flora McDaniel, Sister Estelle Ellerbe, Brother Bill Leach, Sister Ida Bell Leach McArthur, Sister Tilda J. Patterson, Brother Julius Leach, Sister Lois Leach, Sister Mary Pinkney, and Sister Lessie Murphy. The number of people became overwhelming so Elder Davis set up a tent on Hickory Street and began preaching and teaching the Apostolic Doctrine. He told the people that they needed to be baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost in order to go to Heaven. Many people attended these services. They had never heard the Word preached quite like this. Sometimes the power of God was so strong that the people literally found themselves outside of the tent. Souls were added to the church daily such as should be saved. The saints had to travel to the church in Latta, SC to be baptized. This went on for about two years, and then the Lord did a great thing for Elder Davis and his new church (then being a body of baptized believers since they had no building).

In 1957, Elder Davis and the members of Rowland were able to build a church on 304 North Canal Street. More souls were added to the church. Such pioneers were: Deacon Charlie and Sister Lucy Ford, Sister Cora Brown, Brother Arthur Brown, Brother Elwood and Sister Odessa McCallum, Sister Lisa Davis and family, Sister Maggie Davis, and Mother Frances McArthur.

Years later, Elder Davis was ordained Bishop Davis and the church continued to grow. It has been remodeled several times. Because of the vision of Bishop Davis, the prayers of the righteous, and the dedication of the saints and members, we are in the process of building a new edifice on Highway 130 in Rowland.

Bishop Davis and the church in Rowland have had some struggles and no doubt will continue to struggle, but this group of saints has a love for each other and God that is indescribable. So God continues to bless because the people have a mind to work.