The History of Jacksonville Assembly of God
Jacksonville Assembly of God had its beginning in July 1939 when Evangelist and Mrs. Warren A. Gardner and George Brace began a tent revival which continued nightly for eleven weeks. From this revival was established the new church. There were prayer meetings held in a home at this time also.
During the winter months the church rented a second story hall over Woodworth’s until a ground floor building on East Douglas was made available. In the summer of 1940, a lot on West Douglas Street was purchased and construction on a church building began. The basement was finished and dedicated in June of 1941. Attendance grew until the beginning of World War II when many people moved to larger cities. The years from 1943 to 1947 were years of struggle, but God continued to bless the church. These church facilities were soon inadequate and the need for expansion prompted the purchase of the present location on East Vandalia Road. While this church building was being constructed, the congregation met in Jones Chapel on the Illinois College Campus because the building on West Douglas had been sold to the Salvation Army.
Under the leadership of Pastor and Mrs. W. A. Gardner, the new church was finished and dedicated in April 1955. Later a parsonage was built on the Northeast corner of the property; this is now the church’s office complex. In December 1978, Pastor Gardner was called to this heavenly home after serving the church for nearly 40 years.
In March 1979, Rev. and Mrs. F. H. Toliver were called to serve as pastors; they served until 1985. Under their ministry many new families joined the church.
Rev. and Mrs. Bill Henneberg then became pastors and served until 1990. Under their leadership a new addition was built on the east; this provided new restrooms, a bookstore and entrance canopy. Children’s ministries were moved to a South Main Street location to accommodate the growth.
In December 1990, Rev. and Mrs. Gary Crowder (wife Linda) were called as pastors. Under their leadership the church grew both spiritually and physically. To house the growth, a new educational unit was added on the south of the church. The auditorium was enlarged providing additional seating, a balcony, Video control room and new west entry. The parking lot and drives were paved and additional parking provided. A home on West State Street was also purchased for a parsonage. In February 2000 Pastor Crowder sensed the Lord leading him in a new direction. He and his staff left to begin Midwest Christian Ministries.
Though the church knew the future before it was bright, they faced the difficult challenge of replacing an entire pastoral staff and beginning life anew. The church looked through most of that year to find the right leadership for those challenging times. Following much prayer they called the Rev. & Mrs. Russ Fuller (wife Cheryl) to serve as their new Pastor in December 2000. Pastor and Sis. Fuller served the church until July of 2003.
In November of 2003 the church called Rev. and Mrs. Tim Kruzan (wife Robin) to serve as Pastors. Pastor Kruzan led the church into a vision development process immediately. Building on the foundation of his predecessors, along with aligning the church with its vision, is producing a loving, modern, relevant and contemporary house of worship and prayer.
Structural changes, internally and externally, have been necessary to accommodate the growth and outreach of this congregation. The restructuring process has begun and the way is open before us.
From Pastor Gardner to Pastor Kruzan the VISION continues!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you an dnot to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
