Our Story

The work of the Lord here began in the dining room of the late Brother Randolph & the late Evangelist Winnifred Thompson along with a small group of dedicated saints known as ‘The Apostolic Prayer Band’. The weekly prayer meeting quickly developed into something more than the dining room could handle. We were faced with the challenge of finding a place of worship. Brother and Sister Swaby, who were also members of this prayer group, offered their basement to host the services. Our membership, which started out as a small prayer group, had blossomed into something promising. Souls were being baptized, reclaimed, inspired, and refreshed. On numerous occasions, we were filled to capacity, and there was hardly any room for shouting. As the church began to expand, another change in home was imminent and necessary.

In 1986, we became a tenant at the Royal Inn located in East Orange, NJ, but this was not convenient for us. We were not able to operate and conduct services the way we desired, so the need for a larger place of worship became vital. During that same year, we became incorporated as the First United Tabernacle Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic). After a long and diligent search, in 1987, the Lord provided an edifice that facilitated a better worship experience located at 32-34 Webster Place, Orange, NJ. As the growth of our church continued, several departments were established. In 1988, Elder Lloyd Faulknor was officially ordained as pastor of the congregation.

1989 marked a historical event—the burning of the mortgage at Webster Place.  Many individuals accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and several received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Membership was extended to the newcomers, and our Webster Place Family doubled in size. Once again, we were faced with the need for adequate space to worship.

Because we needed more space, we were thinking in terms of an expansion—not relocation. In May of 1996, during an anniversary service, Pastor Faulknor was presented with a flyer that read “For Sale.” Pastor and the building fund committee members went to see the office building that was listed for sale. The group made a unanimous decision that the building was appropriate and could be transformed into a place of worship. It was purchased and renovations subsequently began.

After several months of construction, the office building was transformed into a beautiful edifice. Located at 425 South Jefferson Street, the building was now ready to host friends and family of the First United Tabernacle Church. December 13, 1997, marked the official opening of this sanctuary. The Mayor of Orange, along with members of the Orange Police Department, escorted Pastor Faulknor and the church members through the streets of Orange, NJ.

In 2003, Pastor Lloyd Faulknor was elevated to the office of a Bishop under the leadership of Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Sr. of Baltimore, MD. In 2004, Bishop Faulknor became the Senior Pastor, Evangelist Paulette P. Faulknor was appointed as Co-Pastor, and Elder Courtney Lawrence was appointed as the first Associate Pastor.  The blessings continued to flow, and in 2010, the church acquired the property adjacent to 425 South Jefferson Street.

In 2012, several noteworthy events occurred.  The institution formerly known as First United Tabernacle Church (FUTC) became First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Inc. (FUTIM). In addition, we purchased two properties. The first location, at 576 Argyle Avenue, Orange, New Jersey has been set aside to host international guests during our conferences. The second location, in the township of Mamakating, New York is a 50-acre lot with two homes, a swimming pool and a tennis court; it is utilized as our Recreational complex and Retreat Center. The third location, in Longville Park, Clarendon (Jamaica) serves as the home for the FUTIM church there. In 2023, Evangelist Shauna Gray was named as the first Assistant Pastor to serve in the pastoral leadership. Likewise in 2023, FUTIM and its affiliated churches became ACTS United Church International, Inc. (AUCI), which serves as the organizational structure for FUTIM headquarters (East Orange, NJ) and the body of churches across the world with our Senior Pastor, Bishop Lloyd L. Faulknor as founder and Presiding Bishop.

Known for our electric services and vibrant worship, we continue to strive to do the work of ministry that serves our community while being the hands and feet of Jesus. In the year of Our Lord 2024, on Sunday, June 2nd,  FUTIM celebrated its farewell service at 425 South Jefferson Street. On Saturday, June 8th, we return to the city where it all began, East Orange, NJ, to celebrate the grand opening and dedication of our new home at 100 Warrington Place.

As we reflect on FUTIM’s rich history, we are grateful to God for His faithfulness, and we entrust our future to Him. To God be the glory both now and forevermore!