Our Story
1920’s
1926 – April 6th
In the middle 20’s, Pentecostal meetings were held in the Stensgard and Backlund homes in Fargo. During the early part of 1926 a group of believers met in the home of Brother and Sister J.W.Miller, praying earnestly that God would send an old-fashioned revival to Fargo. The Presence of the Lord was manifested remarkably in these "cottage prayer meetings" and God laid it upon their hearts to call an evangelist for a revival campaign. Rev. Ness began the campaign on April 6th, 1926, conducting meetings at the old Fargo College Chapel.
1920's – The first bus ministry began.
1926 – June 9th
Fargo Gospel Tabernacle, Fargo, ND, entered into voluntary cooperative fellowship with the General Council and the North Central District Council of the Assemblies of God. The assembly was set in order June 9th, 1926 with a roll of 83 members.
1926-1933 – Rev. Henry H. Ness
1926 – October
The Lincoln Hall in the 600 Block on 1st Ave. N, was secured for services.
1927 – August 10th
The “Gospel Tabernacle” was incorporated under the laws of the state of North Dakota.
1927 – Fall
The Broadway Methodist Church was leased for a 3 year period. The building seated 425 people and before long the building was filled to capacity.
1928 – February 7th
After due deliberation the members of the assembly met together at the business meeting of February 7th, 1928. At this time we declared our fellowship with the General Council and the North Central District Council of the Assemblies of God.
1930’s
The Radio Ministry was started around the same time as the church was formed. Brother Ness began with the “Sunshine Hour” on WDAY; which was continued throughout his pastorate.
1930 – January 21st
The building on Broadway was destroyed by fire. A vacant store building on Broadway was then secured for services.
1930 – October 8th
The new building on 7th Avenue North was completed and dedicated!
1933 - 1934 – Rev. Luther Sherlund
1934 - 1939 – Rev. Richard Carmichael
1935
An evangelistic campaign was conducted by Edith Mae Pennington. During the 9 weeks, 106 were saved and 68 were filled with the Holy Spirit.
1939 - 1943 – Rev. Richard L. Brown
1940’s
1943 – 1946 – Rev. Homer F. Rugwell
Under Rev. Rugwell the youth of the church were encouraged to establish and participate in outreach ministries (hospitals, retirement homes, and the Cass County Jail). Another outstanding evangelistic campaign was held during this time with Rev. K. Olson and Rev. L. Jorgenson. The Lord poured out his Spirit and the revival lasted for 5 weeks.
1946 - 1954 – Rev. Milton Barfoot
1949
Rev. Barfoot launched a daily radio program called “Gospel in Song.” This continued through the ministry of Pastor Wiley.
1950’s
A Daily Gospel Broadcast known as “Gospel in Song” was heard daily at 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. over KGFO.
1951
Name changed to First Assemblies of God Church by 1951.
1954 – 1963 – Rev. Raymond R. Wiley
The “Gospel in Song” Radio Ministry was replaced and expanded by the “Revival Time” program on WDAY. As many as 500 letters were received in a week. Under Pastor Wiley, many children were reached for the Lord through Sunday School and Children’s Church directed by Miss Evelyn Glosser.
1960’s
1963 – 1968 – Rev. Oliver W. Apple
Pastor Apple and his wife were Sunday School enthusiasts. Pastor Apple went to be with the Lord in 1968 while working in his church office.
1964 – July
The Lord opened the door to acquire property on 10th Street South, Fargo.
1965 – November 1
Remodeling and redecorating took place and a rededication service was held on this date.
Rev. Elmer G. Bilton – 1968-1972
Rev. Bilton and his wife served the Lord diligently in all phases of church work and enjoyed a spirit of revival throughout their four years in Fargo.
1970’s
1972 – 2004 – Rev. Dan Rothwell
Only a few months after Rev. and Mrs. Rothwell arrived in Fargo, Mrs. Judy Rothwell became very ill and God saw fit to promote her to heaven. In October of 1973, Wanda, who previously lost her husband, became Mrs. Rothwell. This union brought together four small children. Shortly after his arrival in Fargo, Pastor Dan traded the church van for three busses. Additional buses have been added over the years to accommodate the growth in the children’s ministry.
1974
The foundation of the church structure weakened to the point where the only recourse was to raze the old part of the building and build a new one. Services were held in an area of the top floor in the educational building during construction. There were some blessed “Upper Room” experiences when God poured out his Spirit and saved souls. The new building was completed and dedicated on November 2nd, 1975. Soon, growth required three morning worship services.
1979
15 acres of land was purchased on South 25th Street, Fargo. Construction began in 1980.
1980’s
1983 – June
The new building was ready for occupancy.
1988
The Children's wing was completed and the entire building complex was dedicated.
1990’s
1994 – December
The office building at 2506 35th Avenue South was purchased. These offices are rented to businesses.
2000’s
2000
The final phase of building construction was completed with the addition pf a new gymnasium that also serves as the youth wing.
2002
The Connection Ministry began in 2002. This ministry presents the gospel while meeting both spiritual and physical needs of people in the Fargo Moorhead communities. Bags of groceries, clothing, and household items are distributed to these needy families.
2004 – February 8
Rev. Dan Rothwell went home to be with the Lord.
2004, November – 2005, May
Rev. Everett Stenhouse served as Interim Pastor
2006, December 1 - Present – Dr. Bob Ona
