Church History
1912 - Humble Beginnings
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Three families began meeting in homes, then a rented hall.
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Bro. Elijah Van Hoose became the first pastor.
1922 – A Church Home Established
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The growing congregation met in the Courthouse, then built and dedicated a new church at 18th & Walnut under Bro. Frank Steimla.
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Pastors Roy W. Potter and F. Stanley Smith later followed.
1926–1964 – Rev. Ast Era
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Rev. Herman Ast began his 38-year ministry, faithfully leading until his retirement in 1964.
1964–1979 – Years of Transition and Growth
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H. Lee Murrell (1964–1966)
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Melvin Miller (served less than a year before his passing)
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D.C. Stafford (1966–1973)
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Harold Goodpastor (1973–1979) — oversaw construction of the current facility on S. Memorial Drive
1980–1987 – A New Chapter
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Larry Buford became Senior Pastor in 1980, followed by Rev. Peterson, who served until 1987.
1988–1993 – Building the Ministry Team
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Bob R. Cole joined as Associate Pastor (1988).
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Jody Hill served as Senior Pastor from 1990–1993.
1995–2006 – Expanding Ministry
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Mark A. Martin became Senior Pastor (1995).
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Tami Byrd (Youth Pastor, 1997) and Curtis L. Ferrell (Music & Worship Pastor, 1998) joined the team.
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Pastor Martin was called to another congregation in 2006.
2007–Present – Continuing the Mission
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Pastor Chris Gammello began serving as Senior Pastor in October 2007 and continues to lead today.
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Tami Byrd and Curtis Ferrell followed new ministry callings in 2011 and 2014.
Looking Ahead
Our history is vital, but not defining.
God has given us a mission and a vision — and as we follow Christ, our future remains full of hope and promise.