Chruch: Pendleton Assembly of God Church, Sabine Parish Louisiana Source: the Sabine Index; December 29, 1993 Submitted by Thelma Shields shields@eufaula.lib.ok.us ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If you are searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT ___________blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. PENDLETON ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH In 1922, Rev. W. G. Stark brought the "Apostolic" message to the Pendleton Bend Community. He held prayer meetings in homes and preached under an old stooping oak tree. There were 18 converts in that first revival. Among those in attendance were: Floyd Pilcher, Olla Pilcher, A. J. Stroud, Sr., and his family, Many Johnson and E. C. Merritt. This group of believers continued to hold prayer meetings. In Sept. 1923, Rev. and Mrs. Stark returned. During this series of meetings several people experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. They met in the home of E. C. Merritt. In 1924, they built their first church. An old log store building provided the materials for the church. It was located at a place known as the "Rock Farm". The first pastor for this church was Rev. W. G. Stark, and the church was named "Rock Farm Church". Rev. Stark assumed those duties in 1925. The first deacons were: Floyd Pilcher, Ace J. Stroud, Sr., and E. C. Merritt. The congregation of the little log church prospered and grew. The building, however, was destroyed by fire in 1926. The congregation then met in homes and under brush arbors. One of the brush arbors was also destroyed by fire. The congregation continued to meet for the next two years, even though they were without a building. In 1927, Rev. J. B. (Bud) Gray accepted the pastorate. He and former pastor W. G. Stark began a building program, at the rock farm. This building was completed in 1928. On July 29, 1928, the church became a member of the Arkansas Louisiana District Council of the Assemblies of God. The first deacons to serve were: Frank Nolen, Floyd Pilcher, and A. J. Stroud, Sr.. The total membership was 16. The Charter members were: Rev. W. G. stark, F. N. Stark, Barney Flanagan, Alice Flanagan, Howard Stroud, Rabon Ayers, Charley Hippler, Mandy Johnson, Isler Ayers, Iver Ayers, Margrete Pilcher, Floyd Pilcher, Nora Speers, Frank, Nolen, A. J. Stroud, St., Gatsie Pilcher. In 1929 Barney Flanagan succeeded Frank Nolen as deacon. Several times the church was without a pastor. It was at these times that member of this group took their place in the ministry. Two of these men were: Rev. B. W. Flanagan, and Rev. R. C. Ayers. There have been twenty tow pastors, who have served this congregation during its 71 year history. They were: ( in no particular order): Reverends, W. G. Stark, J. B. (Bud) Gray, B. W. Flanagan, R. C. Ayers, M. L. Ayers, Henry Jones, W. W. Hall, C. F. Parker, John J. Huff, A. Q. Woodward, R. P. Shelton, W. H. Mitchell, D. A. Alvis, D. H. Stott, Herman Shields, Nelvin Craft, A. V. Walters, E. C. Bell, J. W. Bell, and D. M. Mc Gough. There also has been only three church secretaries. They were: Mrs. Gatsie Pilcher, Mrs. Trudie Stroud and Mrs. Josia Stroud. The name of the church changed over time, reflecting its affiliation and association until today it is know as Pendleton Assembly of God. It is very active in all phases of the District programs, with a strong Missions emphasis. In 1953, members of the congregation voted to move the church out by the new highway, (highway six). The building was begun during the ministry of W. H. Mitchell. Rev. B. W. Flanagan became pastor in 1957. The building was completed and dedication service was held on July 6, 1958. According to the church records, over 284 people attended this service. Rev. Flanagan resigned as pastor on June 14, 1965, for health reasons. Several men assumed the pasturage during the next few years, ministering to the needs of the people. In 1973, Rev. C. E. Bell became the pastor. In 1976, the church was able to obtain land it was sitting on and additional property for expansion. This was made possible through the generosity of a couple from Missouri. The church was built, mostly by member of the congregation, and visitors to the area, who expressed a desire to help. On January 7, 1979, a ground breaking service was held for a new sanctuary and Christian Education facility. The building was completed nine months later. In just over three years the building was debt free. Rev. Bell's desire and prayer was that this church would be: A lighthouse, an oasis in a desert world, a shelter from storm, a resting place where sinners find their way to a merciful God, and above all, where all men will be established in their goings and let God be enthroned in the hearts of all." Rev. C. E. Bell resigned the church in 1978. He was succeeded by his son, Rev. J. W. Bell, who had been serving as Assistant Pastor. He resigned the following year. The Church extended a call to Rev. Max McGough in June 1988. He accepted and with his wife, Jane, and children, Michelle and Chris, he moved to this area to minister to the needs of the congregation. Rev. McGough and his family have served as ministry team for more than five years. Before coming to Pendleton, Rev. McGough and his wife, were active in various ministries throughout the District. He has served as Youth Pastor for the First Assembly of God in New Orleans. He pioneered Faith Assembly in LaPlace, La. and pastored several other churches. He also served as caretaker for the District campground at Woodworth, Louisiana during which time a new Tabernacle was built. Chris and Michelle are presently attending Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Chris is preparing to enter the ministry, following graduation this year. Michelle is engaged in various ministries. Pendleton Assembly of God has an aggressive Royal Ranger program for the boys, age 5-18. It also has an active Missionette program for girls, age 5-15. The congregation is currently involved in a expansion program. The new facility will include a gymnasium, office space, a larger kitchen, class and storage areas. These additions will allow for the modification of the existing buildings to provide much needed classroom space, and allow for an increase in the number of ways the church can serve the community.