The History of First Assembly of God
Around 1935, a group of 13 young people from Columbus, GA "came across the river" and held tent revival meetings here in Phenix City, AL. The young people were led by Reverend Emory Andrews, who felt the call to start an Assembly of God Church in Phenix City. The Revival Meetings were a huge success, and from that small beginning, the group began holding regular services around January of 1935 at the corner of 7th Ave and 20th St.
On April 28, 1935, The Reverend J.C. Thames (then superintendent of the Alabama District) presided over the opening of the Church. Reverend Andrews was elected as church pastor of The Phenix City Assembly of God. It was not until sometime around 1946 that it began going by its present name of First Assembly of God.
Shortly thereafter, the church held a tent revival, led by Rev. A.S. Davis, and started to grow rapidly. The congregation had to move into a new building on the corner of Flinn Alley and 10th Ave. Members and friends donated the materials and labor to build the new church.
Since that time, First Assembly has moved to its current location at 3777 Highway 431 North. Under our current Pastor, Barry Danner, First Assembly has built: a new sanctuary with fellowship hall, youth building, royal ranger cabins, young adult building, women's ministries Grace Place, storage facilities and bus sheds, and many building projects on the way. First Assembly now averages nearly 1,000 people every Sunday morning.
Through the years, First Assembly has been blessed by the men who have served as its pastor. Former Pastors, in order of their service are as follows: Emory T. Andrews, A.S. Davis, H.F. Freeman, J.B. Bauldree, A.S. Davis, W..A.D. Hill, Wyley Davis, Charlie Kennedy, Fred Martin, A.L. Valdez, Sammy Mizell, A.L. Valdez, James Ballard, A.G. Pope, W.L. Baker, William D. Slay, Charles S. Raley, W.T. Grant, Randy Comer & Barry Danner.
Meet our StaffQuestions
What Are Sunday Services Like?
Lively, Upbeat, Encouraging, and Spirit-led are all terms that describe our Sunday Services. We believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and welcome them in our services according to His Word.
What does the Church offer my family on Sunday?
One of the first things that God establishes in His Word is the family. From our Sunday Services to Wednesday night services, we put an emphasis on the entire family. Between services on Sundays, we have recently termed Sunday School as “Life Groups” and offer classes from ages 3 all the way to 73 (and older). Our classes are grouped according to the person’s age and are designed to teach them at their level. During services, our nursery staff is fully trained and committed to providing quality care and personal interaction with your little ones. We have up-to-the date security systems in place where you have to check your child in according to your thumbprint. Also, we have recently installed a “nanny cam” where you can check on your child at any point during our service.
How Should I Dress?
Here at First Assembly, our motto when it comes to dress is “Come As You Are.” As Scripture clearly states, God doesn’t care what your outside looks like, He cares what’s going on in your heart. However, we would encourage both men and women to dress in a modest manner. As our Pastor has said before, “We don’t want to take the attention away from Christ in order to put it on ourselves.” With that being said you will find a variety of “styles” at First Assembly, ranging from jeans and a T-shirt to a suit and tie. Come as you are!
Can I Meet the Pastoral leadership?
Absolutely! Our Pastors are always available to you and your families needs. If you are looking for counseling or just wanting to ask a question, our Pastors are here to serve you! We have two childrens churches to offer your kids: Xtreme Kidz and Xtreme Kidz 2. Xtreme Kidz 2 is for our younger ones from ages to 3 to kindergarten and Xteme Kidz is from 1st to 6th grade. These services are designed specifically for your child and they will come away more knowledgable about God’s Word through object lessons, puppets, videos, stories, contests and games. If you continue to browse our website, you will find that we have something for everyone!