History of FGC

In the fall of 1978, Reverend and Mrs. David Norris moved to West Bend to start the Full Gospel Church. The first meeting place was in the lower level of a town house that the Norris' rented on River Road in Barton.

Pastor Norris started the church by offering people an opportunity to learn more about the Bible and the Bible's importance to us today in their homes. He and his wife would travel to other peoples homes teaching free Bible studies.

It was not long until this developed into a group too large to meet in the Norris' home so they began to meet elsewhere. Over time they had met at the Ymca, Silverbrook Middle School, Bank One Community room, and several others.

In 1979 a large home was purchased for the church at 128 South 6th Avenue in West Bend. This home was remodeled to provide living quarters, Sunday school rooms, Sanctuary, and Pastors office. It was here that the church began to grow and obtained much interest from the community.

In June of 1984 the Norris' felt the burden to leave West Bend and become instructors at ABI Bible College in St. Paul Minnesota. It was at this time that Evangelist Jim and Mary Booker moved to West Bend where Jim assumed the role of Senior Pastor of Full Gospel Church, a position which he presently holds.

The congregation continued to grow and subsequently outgrew the 6th avenue facility. Fifteen acres of land were purchased on Highway G in the town of West Bend and in October of 1991 the 6th Avenue Facility was sold and the congregation moved into its new home at 5385 HWY G. What a tremendous blessing this facility has been!

Pastor Jim Booker was born and raised in the St. Paul, Minnesota area. He graduated from the Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International headquatered in Hazelwood, Missouri.

Prior to assuming the Pastorate at FGC in 1984, the Bookers traveled the United States preaching the Gospel in many cities as an evangelist.

Pastor Booker is held in high regard in the United Pentecostal Church. He has traveled throughout the country conducting marriage seminars, preaching and teaching at summer camps, and speaking at other local congregations.

He served as the Junior Bible Quiz Coordinator for the State of Wisconsin from 1985-1987, Harvestime director for the Wisconsin District from 1986-1988, and Youth President for the Wisconsin District from 1988-1994.

Pastor James Booker and his wife Mary have three children: Jordan, Candace, and Natalie. This picture was taken at their son Jordan and daughter-in-law Dana's wedding October 20, 2007. L-R: Jim, Mary, Dana, Jordan, Natalie, and Candace Booker.