A Tribute in Honor & Memory of Robert (Pat) Edward Moore, Co Founder of Rolfe Pentecostal Holiness Church, Rolfe, WV, in McDowell County.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Robert Moore came to the United States when he was a young man. He was of the Catholic faith. He became acquainted with the Pentecostal through the healing of his child. He received the Holy Ghost and became a strong Pentecostal believer. Most everyone knew him as Pat.

It was in the spring of 1939, when the Rolfe Pentecostal Holiness Church became a reality. Robert Edward Moore, who was the caretaker of Rolfe Grade School felt the need of a Pentecostal Holiness church in the community. He talked with the school board and they agreed to let Reverend C. A. Hensley conduct a revival in the school. The revival was a great success. Many people were saved, sanctified, and received the Holy Ghost. The Rolfe Church was born and organized with Rev. C. A. Hensley as the first Pastor. Robert Moore an his wife were very well known in the community, and Mr. Moore went to business places and ask for contributions to help buy the lumber to build the church. He worked along with the rest of the volunteer help. He worked as cofounder along with Rev. Hensley. The first deacons were Roy Lambert from Algoma, George Thornhill from Gilliam, and Dewey Adams from Rolfe, WV. Frank Morelock from Algoma became the secretary and treasurer and then Sunday School teacher.

Later on, Robert Moore and his wife Lula built the house that is still there on the hill beside the church. There home was the home of all the evangelists that came including Sylvia Harvey, who later became Sylvia Sexton, wife of Dan Sexton, who became pastor in 1954. Rev. Joe Lilly spent every weekend at the Moore home while pastoring the church. Joseph W. Moore, son of Robert and Lula preached in the church after his safe return as POW during World War Two.

There is so much more I could say about my Father and his work in the church, but I am happy to know that the church is still strong in the Lord after 57 years.

Written July 1996 by Naomi Moore Elkins, youngest Daughter of Robert & Lula (Niswander) Moore

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Contributed by: Eva Fay Shannon---Grandaughter of Robert & Lula Moore