Our History

Past...Present...Future

The spirit which marked the early and humble beginnings of cottage prayer meetings in the home of Julius and Susie Sellenschuetter, under the leadership of Rev. A. L. Matejka, still dominates our vision today. The secret, if any, is faith in God! In 1926 a tent meeting was conducted on Clay Street with Herbert Halwe as the evangelist. During this time "tarry" services were held in the home of Theo and Malinda Kunze.

In the fall of 1926 a hall was rented at 300 South Main Street and this group was set in order as Glad Tidings Tabernacle by Assemblies of God District Superintendent A. A. Wilson. At this meeting Rev. A. L. Matejka was installed as pastor. During his pastorate a basement church was constructed at Sixth and Franklin Streets.

In 1935 Rev. K. E. Matschulet became the pastor and served until 1943. Rev. Russell Thompson became pastor of the growing church body in 1943 and served faithfully until 1950. Under his leadership a superstructure was added to the basement hall.

Rev. Roy L. Buckley assumed the pastorate in 1950. During his tenure the church front was reconstructed adding a classroom, nursery, and balcony. In 1954 Rev. Von D. Kelly became pastor. It was under his leadership that land was purchased and a new facility was built at 2529 Charwood in 1962. At this time the name was changed to First Assembly of God to better identify the denomination.

Rev. A. W. Pettet became pastor in 1967. During his term a parsonage was erected on the property. In 1975 Rev. Pettet was appointed District Superintendent for the Northern Missouri District and Rev. Manuel Shoults was elected to assume pastoral duties. By now the church body had grown even larger and Rev. Shoults led the efforts to build a new sanctuary, nursery facilities, offices, and additional classrooms, which were dedicated in 1980. The former sanctuary was converted into a fellowship hall and named Marshall Hall in honor of Rev. Curtiss Marshall, First Assembly's long-time Minister of Music.

In 1987 Rev. Shoults was called to serve as District Superintendent for the Northern Missouri District and Rev. Rex Bornmann became pastor serving through 1992. Rev. David Willis, Associate Pastor under Rev. Bornmann, became the interim pastor and served through most of 1993 while the search for a new pastor was in process.

Late in 1993 Rev. David Williams was elected and served the church as pastor through part of 1998. During the ensuing search process Rev. Barry Ivie, Family Life Pastor, served as interim pastor until November 1998 when Rev. Roger Horne, Jr. was elected as pastor. Rev. Horne served as until May 2001.

In November 2001 the congregation chose Rev. Jerry Harris to be their pastor. Under Rev. Harris' leadership for the last seven years, First Assembly has moved forward to become a Biblical functioning community of believers, devoting ourselves to outreach, worship, fellowship, discipleship, and service that makes a positive impact for Christ on our community.