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North Assembly of God is growing rapidly |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 |
By Mark Bivens — Editor
The name has changed over the years, but the purpose remains the same.
North Malvern Assembly of God began life July 4, 1920 out of a need for more room to worship for a group that had formed when a few families began having prayer meetings in their homes. The group began meeting in a large house at 429 Baker Street. When this group outgrew their place of worship, a 50-foot lot at the corner of what is now Berger and Fairview Street was purchased with the intent of building a church.
When the church was completed it was named Baker Street Assembly of God with 12 charter members with Bro. Garland Robbins serving as pastor.
In the mid 1930s the Malvern City Council changed the name of Baker Hill to North Malvern and the church adopted the name of North Malvern Assembly of God.
In 1938 lots were purchased on Berger Street to for the purpose of building a parsonage.
In 1940 a white stucco building served as a pastor’s study with Sunday school rooms in the basement.
Between the years of 1946 and 1950 tragedy struck when fire partially burned the church.
It had to be rebuilt. In 1952 a garage apartment was built for the evangelists’ use.
The former North Malvern Elementary School’s property was purchased by North Malvern Assembly of God in 1955 and the present building was started. The first service was held there on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956.
In 1971 the old parsonage was sold and a new three bedroom brick home was built at 430 Fairview Street.
The year 1980 saw a new educational annex with 2,880 feet was constructed, which included a new fellowship hall, kitchen, restrooms, pastor’s study and six classrooms.
In 2001 Bro. Paul and Sister Elaine Grisby returned to the church for the second time. The Grisbys had served at the church from 1983-1985. Upon their return action was taken to refurbish and restore the main auditorium of the church. New carpet was added, new furnishing and pews. New restroom were another addition. The work was completed in 1002.
Growth continued in 2003 when two lots across the street that included houses, which were demolished to allow for the construction of a parking lot.
In 2004 the fellowship hall was remodeled to include new floorings and tables. New stoves were added to the kitchen.
The church has continued growth since November of 2001, going from 14 members to between 150 and 200 members.
Serving as pastors have been:
Bro. Garland Robbins, 1920-1923
Bro. Heagood Mitchell, 1923
Sis. Della Cook, 1924
Bro. Luther Ault, 1925
Bro. A.W. Tanner, 1926-1927
Bro. Garland Robbins, 1928
Bro. Luther Ault, 1929-1932
Bro. Lucil Fitzhugh, 1933
Bro. Lee Walker, 1933
Bro. Tobie Westerman, 1934-1935
Bro. R.M. Elswick, 1936-1937
Bro. Clyde Kemp, 1938-1942
Bro. Louie Schultz, 1942-1944
Bro. Clarence E. Vanbidder, 1944-1945
Bro. O.J. Neighbors, 1945
Bro. W.E. Hand, 1946-1950
Bro. C.J. Hardwick, 1950-1962
Bro. Leroy King, 1962-1970
Bro. Lyndale Harberson, 1970-1977
Bro. Ronald G. Allen, 1977-1978
Bro. Paul Grigsby, 1983-1985
Bro. Noel Moorehead, 1985-1990
Bro. Robert Wyiott, 1990, 1995
Bro. Patrick Bland, 1995-1998
Bro. Cass Ledbetter, 1998-2001
Bro. Paul Grisby, 2001-present
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 March 2010 )
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