NEWS |
40th Anniversary Celebration - October 12, 2008 |
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First Assembly of God will celebrate its 40th year of continuous ministry on Sunday, October 12th. Reverend Ken Burtram, Secretary/Treasurer of the Potomac District Council of the Assemblies of God, will be the guest speaker for the 10 am worship service. All living former pastors have been invited to attend the anniversary celebration. Following the worship service, the congregation and their guests will enjoy a potluck picnic at Oakdale Park in Bridgewater. First Assembly met in a Harrisonburg storefront for its first worship service on April 7, 1968, with 17 in attendance. Reverend Herb Coffey was the first pastor and served two terms, 1968-1971 and 1972-73. Under his leadership the congregation purchased their present property at the corner of Garbers Church Road and Erickson Avenue. Reverend Ken Schloe became the second pastor in December of 1971. During his tenure a new modular building was placed on the property. This facility now serves as a nursery and four Sunday school classrooms. In December 1973 Reverend James Hendershot became the church’s third pastor and served until 1976. In September of 1976 Reverend David Brookman became the fourth pastor. During his tenure the church added a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, and four additional classrooms to the original modular building. The first service in this new facility was held on September 7, 1980. The current pastor, Reverend Jeffrey Ferguson, was appointed on July 1, 1988. The church continued to experience growth and a new addition was completed in August of 2003. This addition includes a multi-purpose room (sanctuary/gymnasium), kitchen, restrooms, conference room, and an office complex. Pastor Ferguson said, “First Assembly has come a long way from its humble beginning with 17 people in a storefront, to our current average of 240 Sunday morning worshippers. Throughout our 40 year history the church has remained committed to God’s Word and to serving the spiritual needs of our community.” He added, “Our mission is to train and equip individuals to become passionately devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our doors are always open to anyone searching for a church where they can meet Christ and fulfill the call that God has for their life.” |
