PITTSFIELD _ The Rev. Brian Moore will open a ``full gospel'' church in his Pittsfield home at 11 a.m. Sunday.
A native of Huntington, Long Island, Moore has been active in gospel churches for years, although for many of those, he made his living as a building contractor.
``I've been building a long time; I like to eat,'' he noted.
But for years, he added, he has wanted to devote more of his time to spiritual pursuits, to take the plunge he will this weekend.
While living in Huntington, Moore, 51, was a member of the Upper Room Christian World Center in Dix Hills and served as music and programs coordinator for the church's Rikers Island prison ministry.
The prison experience was interesting, and convinced him, among other things, of the power of music to bridge gaps in understanding and circumstance.
``Music bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the heart,'' he said. ``I've found it to be a special way to communicate.''
As a young man, Moore played guitar in bands, eventually learning other instruments as well.
``I'm an old rock n' roller turned holy roller,'' he said.
About eight years ago, he and his wife, Anne, purchased a parcel on Ramey Road in Pittsfield, and they began to come here.
``It's beautiful up here and I like to hunt and be outside,'' he said.
Two years ago, the Moores, who have a 16-year-old daughter, Theresa, moved to Pittsfield.
Since being in the area, he has been associated with the Living Water Faith Fellowship in Oneonta, and he still builds, too, including the new house his family lives in.
``If you'd come over here unannounced, you probably would have caught me on the backhoe,'' he said.
But his inner being has been drawn to serving God, incorporating his beliefs into his daily life.
``I believe I've been called to central New York to help bring a revival to the area,'' he said.
Moore, who holds a diploma of theological studies from Oral Roberts University, said he believes in the full gospel, including healing, miracles and prophecy.
``The gifts of the spirit were given to us to empower us,'' he said.
In his own life, he has experienced a miraculous recovery from seizures, which had long plagued him, said Moore.
``I haven't had one since I was prayed for six or seven years ago,'' he said.
Sunday's service will be conducted at his home, though eventually, the church may move to a different venue in the Pittsfield-Edmeston area, he said.
For more information, call 847-8972.
Print this story
E-mail this story
