Council Bluffs First Assembly

A Brief History of First Assembly of God

            On September 6, 1931, the Rev. Paul H. Perry and his wife put up a tent at the corner of 17th and Broadway Streets to hold gospel meetings with the intention of beginning the first pentecostal church in Council Bluffs.  He played trombone and invited people to "meet Jesus and experience His power."

           As winter was approaching the meetings were transferred to a building at Main and Mynster where the Sunday School and Young People's Society were organized.  During the summer months, they continued to set up the tent at 11th Street and Avenue B; during the summer of 1933 a tabernacle was built at 21 North 8th Street.  During that same year the church became affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri.

           The church grew numerically as well as spiritually during those years at the tabernacle.  An attendance in Sunday School of 325 was achieved in the 1930's as the church endeavoured to reach out to families in the community.

           Rev. Perry resigned the church in 1936 to be followed by Rev. Walter and Unice Smith.  Bro. Smith built on the foundation already laid and passed the pastorate on to Rev. Gordon Millard in 1941.  Rev. Fred Freeland followed Millard in 1945.  It was during Rev. Freeland's ministry that the last services were held at the tabernacle on 8th Street and the church located in its new location at 7th Avenue and 7th Street.  The church records state about this move: 

"It had always been our hope to have a real church building.  It was with happy but yet reluctant hearts that we held our last services on May 19, 1946, in the tabernacle.  In June of 1946, we started excavating for the new church...God has been marvellous to his people in sending in offerings and gifts from congregations, friends, and businessmen."

"September 21, 1947, we held our first service here.  The corner-stone was laid November 16, 1947.  We thank God for the wonderful cooperation, untiring efforts, and sacrifices of His people. May God richly bless all who had a part..."

          After moving to the new facility at 706 South 7th Street the church had several pastors each making his own contribution to the work of God through First Assembly: Rev Gerald Houck (1950-1951), Rev. Carl Swanson (1951-1954), Rev. C.E. Turner (1954-1965), Rev. Allan Ullestad (1965-1970), Rev. Harold Farrington (1970-1973), Rev. Charles Harrison (1973-1979), and Rev. Kenneth May (1979-1986).  During these years the church owned a parsonage at 26 Circle Drive.  During these years at the 7th Street church we continued to grow, both spiritually and numerically, in ministry to the families and community of Council Bluffs.

           The move to our present location at 3320 Harry Langdon Blvd. was made during the pastorate of Rev. Brian Wilson (1986-1993).  The first service was held in the new building in 1988.  Rev. Joseph Green served as our associate, youth, and deaf pastor before following Rev. Wilson as pastor in 1993.  Our current pastors, Rev. Shawn and Ruthie Oberg began their pastorate with us in February 2001.

           The church continues its original emphasis in meeting the spiritual and social needs of the entire family.  Activities include such programs as Sunday School for all ages, Children's Church, Missionettes clubs for girls, Royal Rangers for boys, SoulFire Youth Group, HomeBuilders (for young adults), women's ministries, and men's ministries.  In addition there are various outreach and ministry activities.  All services are interpreted for the hearing impaired and First Assembly has a faithful deaf congregation.  We continue to be excited to carry on the heritage passed down through prayer, praise, and power of the Holy Spirit.

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