Network Leader Connexions Summer 2016

SUMMER 2016 | USPS 165-700

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 

4651 Westport Drive 

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

Read online: penndel.org/connexions 

Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . .Stephen R. Tourville 

Centennial Editor: . . . . .Donald J. Immel 

Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno 

Volume 62 Number 2 - (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical 

published quarterly by the Pennsylvaina-Delaware District Council of 

the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, 

Pennsylvania. Circulation Stands at Approximately 7,500 

POSTMASTER: 

Send address changes to: 

Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council 


Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887 

Executive Presbytery 

Superintendent . . . . . . . . .Stephen R. Tourville 

Assistant Superintendent . . . Bryan Koch 

Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . . Donald J. Immel 

Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban - SWS 

Christopher Clark North Central West - NCW 

Roland Coon Delaware - DEL 

Steven DeFrain East Central - EC 

Jeffrey Kettering South Central - SC 

Jeff Marshall Southwest Metro - SWM 

Robert Novak Greater Philadelphia Area - GPA 

James Pentz North Central - NC 

Randall Rhoads South Central East - SCE 

Walter Smith South Central West - SCW 

Allan Thorpe Northwest - NW 

David Twiss Northeast - NE 

General Presbyters 

Stephen R. Tourville 

Donald J. Immel 

Bryan Koch 

Honorary General Presbyter 

Philip Bongiorno 

PennDel Superintendent Emeritus 

WE’RE BETTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Dr. Stephen R. Tourville, Superintendent 

CARRYING THE VISION. ...................... 4-5 

Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent 

PENNDEL AND THE AG IN PERSPECTIVE ...... 6-9 


A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP . ................ 10-11 

Donald J. Immel, Secretary / Treasurer 

PENNDEL MINISTRY NETWORK: 

100 YEARS IN THE MAKING. ................. 12-17 

A CENTURY OF GROWTH AND 

DEVELOPMENT IN THE PENNDEL 

MINISTRY NETWORK. ....................... 18-19 

Church Planting, Tom Rees. ..................20-21 

Assistant Superintendent, Bryan Koch. ....... 22-23 

World Missions, Donald J. Immel. ............ 24-25 

Christian Education, George Krebs. .......... 26-27 

University of Valley Forge, Dr. Don Meyer ..... 28-29 

Youth Ministries, Doug Sayers. ............... 30-31 

Women of Purpose, Ruth Puleo. ............. 32-34 

Girls Ministries, Sharon Poole. .................. 35 

Royal Rangers, Greg Scott. .................. 36-37 

HonorBound, Tom Rees. ....................... 37 

PennDel Centennial Churches. ............... 38-39 

TOGETHER 

DISTRICT 

COUNCIL 

Centennial Celebration | May 2016 | 3

Superintendent 

DR. STEPHEN R. TOURVILLE 

PENNDEL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT 

“WRITE DOWN THE REVELATION (VISION) 

AND MAKE IT PLAIN ON TABLETS SO THAT A 

HERALD MAY RUN WITH IT.” HABAKKUK 2:2 (NIV) 

CARRYING 

Celebrating our 100th District Council is both exciting and sobering. Exciting 

because we look back on the last century, and we celebrate the great things God 

has done through our fellowship. We are Carrying the Vision. 

In the words of our presbyter from the Northeast Section, Pastor David Twiss who writes 

about the memories of the past: 

Could it be the sounds of the Jericho brass reverberating off the ceiling of the Cow Palace 

or the harmonies of the Couriers springing from the walls and hallways of the Zembo 

Mosque? Is it the sounds of “Let Thy Mantle Fall on Me” and the laying on of hands by 

the brethren in scores of churches throughout PA and DE? Is the financial and leadership 

savvy of Philip Bongiorno or the heart of a Harold Crosby or Clayton Sheridan? Could it 

be the explosive miracles of a Smith Wigglesworth, the fire of Steve Hill, or the spectacle 

of the healing services of Katherine Kuhlman? Is it just glimpses of the silken preaching 

of David Laquintano, or the Pentecostal fire of the likes of Thomas Trask and J. Roswell 

Flower? Is it starting a bus ministry, sidewalk Sunday School, Kids’ Crusade, Judgment 

House, Christmas pageant, Easter drama, Heaven’s Gate and Hell’s Flames, Royal Rangers 

or Girls Ministries? Is it launching small groups, a food pantry, or any other “you name it” 

that has been accomplished in ministry over these past 100 years? 

No, we are Carrying the Vision, not simply a memory. Memory is part of vision, but vision 

goes beyond where memory stops. Vision takes you where you have never gone before. 

The celebration is not only exciting but also it is sobering. We realize there is a great 

challenge that still lies before us. I am reminded of the words of Rev. Loren Triplett, the 

former director of the Assemblies of God World Missons, who said, “You don’t measure 

yourself by your success, you measure yourself against the unfinished task.” While we 

are grateful for the thousands of individuals and the hundreds of churches God has 

4 | Centennial Celebration | May 2016

THE VISION 

raised up through our network, the laborers are still too 

few because the harvest is still so great. 

What will it take to make a difference in the “unfinished 

task?” I am convinced it is about “Carrying the Vision.” 

My generation and those who have preceded me have 

seen many changes through the years. We have gone 

from store fronts and tent meetings to beautiful facilities, 

padded pews and megachurches and at the same time 

continued to embrace those store front opportunities 

and simple venues in order to reach “the one.” We have 

transitioned in many of our dress codes, developed 

many programs for evangelism, accepted some forms of 

entertainment as being permissible, and have become 

respectable in the religious world – even envied by some. 

Before World War II, ours was a pacifist movement, 

but that all changed with the “just war” concept to 

counteract Nazism. Although missions continues to be a 

prime directive, many individuals and churches not only 

send missionaries, they also go as missionaries to the far 

regions of the world. 

Lest anyone wrongly surmise that the challenges are 

behind us, the future holds many opportunities for the 

church to hold high the values and ideals of the Word 

of God. From the cultural acceptance of gay marriage, 

to evangelistic atheism and from the questions of 

appropriate levels of political involvement to the ethical 

questions raised by scientific advances related to the 

sanctity of human life, along with non-Pentecostal 

influences that present challenges to both doctrinal and 

governance uniformity, the future generation will deal 

with the vital issues that provide the opportunity of 

honoring God’s Word and continue to walk in His favor. 

The vision has been and continues to be to change the 

world one person at a time. 

The admonition of the Apostle Paul to his young protégé 

seems appropriate in this context “Watch your life and 

doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you 

will save both yourself and your hearers.” I Timothy 4:16 

(NIV) Every generation is challenged with the words of 

the Lord to “Write down the vision and make it plain on 

tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:2) 

May our memories of the past prepare us to press for 

the vision of the future that God desires us to fulfill!! 


General Superintendent 

DR. GEORGE O. WOOD 

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 

PENNDEL AND THE 

Small beginnings have produced much growth. The Assemblies of God 

came into being as a result of a small convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas, 

April 2-12, 1914. At this gathering, some one hundred twenty pastors and 

evangelists registered as delegates representing twenty states and several 

foreign lands. In all, about 300 men, women, and children participated in the 

founding convention. And now, more than 100 years later, the Assemblies of 

God has become one of the largest families of Christian churches in the world. 


Left: Alice R. 

Flower 1910 

Right: Azusa 

Street Mission, 

Los Angeles, CA 

AG IN PERSPECTIVE 

A number of factors led up to the founding of the 

Assemblies of God. Before the closing of the frontier, 

a series of revivals had refreshed the land under such 

preachers as Barton Stone at Cane Ridge and Charles 

G. Finney. This culminated in the last great nationwide 

revival which occurred on the eve of the Civil War in 

1858-59, a revival sometimes called the great “Prayer 

Meeting Revival.” 

Sometime after the Civil War, the freshness of a vital 

experience with Christ was exchanged for a “culturereligion.” 

A mood of self-satisfaction and complacency 

began to replace the earnestness and prayerfulness of 

earlier years in many churches across the land. 

As social unrest challenged the tranquility of American 

domestic life, a series of devastating ideas weakened the 

American churches: Biblical criticism, liberal theology, 

Darwin’s The Origin of Species published in 1859, and the 

rise of the social gospel in which education and social 

activism were to displace the old-fashioned mourner’s 

bench. 

SHAPING THE COMING PENTECOSTAL 

REVIVAL 

Two parallel, sometimes overlapping, movements— 

Fundamentalism and the Holiness revival—developed in 

opposition to what was felt to be an alarming trend in the 

larger church world. Each of these conservative reactions 

was to have a significant influence on the shaping of the 

coming Pentecostal revival and the Assemblies of God. 

FUNDAMENTALISM. Fundamentalists stressed verbal 

and inerrant inspiration of the Bible, which was seen as 

the final and complete authority for faith and practice. 

Contributions to the shaping of Assemblies of God 

theology were its views on Scripture, on the person 

and work of Christ, on the shaping of its doctrine of 

sanctification in distinction from their traditional Holiness 

view, and in its emphasis on the second coming of Christ. 

HOLINESS MOVEMENT. The Pentecostal movement owes 

much of its inspiration and formation to the Wesleyan 

Holiness revival of the 19th century. Its emphasis on 

spiritual experiences and its tradition of earnestly seeking 

God created a receptive mood for the Pentecostal 

revival. The methodologies of the camp meeting and the 

revival were eagerly adapted. From the Keswick wing 

(which emphasized the “enduement of power”) of the 

Holiness movement came the Bible institute program, the 

ecclesiology of the Assemblies of God, the missionary 

vision, the emphasis on divine healing, much of its early 

hymnology, and even a significant portion of its early 

leadership. 

As the spiritual tempo began to rise in the late 1800s, 

prayer bands met in various areas of the United States and 

in many places throughout the world. Bible conferences 

were held and much was written about conditions of the 

Christian church. God began to respond to these cries for 

revival and began to pour out His Spirit upon individuals 

and various groups of believers. Some of the great 

preachers who helped to usher in the Holiness movement 

and the rise of Pentecostalism include A. B. Simpson, R. A. 

Torrey, D. L. Moody, William Booth, and Maria Woodworth- 

Etter. In the late 1800s, there were isolated reports of a few 

individuals, such as William Jethro Walthall in Arkansas 

(1879), Daniel Awrey in Delaware, Ohio (1890), and Carl 

Hanson in Dalton, Minnesota (1899), experiencing the 

baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in 

tongues. 


ROOTS OF TWENTIETH CENTURY 

PENTECOSTALISM 

Pentecostalism as a movement traces its roots back to 

January 1, 1901, when God poured out His Spirit among a 

group of students at Charles Parham’s Bethel Bible College 

in Topeka, Kansas. Here it is reported that Agnes Ozman 

became the first of millions in the twentieth century to 

experience the Pentecostal baptism. In spite of strong 

opposition, this revival spirit moved through Kansas, into 

Missouri, southward to Texas, and finally to the West Coast. 

Here it broke out anew in 1906 in the Azusa Street Mission 

of Los Angeles, and from Azusa Street the Pentecostal 

message spread all around the world. Among the first to 

receive Pentecost in the Azusa Street mission was Mrs. 

Rachel Sizelove who later took the news to Springfield, 

Missouri, which is now the home of the Assemblies of God. 

Others experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in the 

Azusa Street revival included Elder C. H. Mason, founder of 

the Church of God in Christ; Pastor William Durham, of the 

old North Avenue Mission in Chicago, who a few years later 

spearheaded discussion of the “finished work of Christ”; G. 

B. Cashwell, of Dunn, North Carolina, who was instrumental 

in taking the message to the southeastern United States; 

and Elmer Fisher, founder of the Upper Room Mission in 

Los Angeles. Joseph Smale, T. B. Barratt, and others from 

overseas visited Azusa Street. Still others went out from 

Azusa Street as missionaries to Hong Kong, Korea, South 

Africa, Liberia, and many other places. 

To trace the stream of Pentecostal history in every 

direction from this point becomes virtually impossible 

because of its rapid spread. Nevertheless, in 1906-07, the 

revival broke out among students at the Christian and 

Missionary Alliance ministerial training school at Nyack, 

New York, and four early leaders of the Assemblies of God 

received the Holy Ghost: David McDowell, Frank M. Boyd, 

Gordon F. Bender, and William I. Evans. Pastor D. W. Kerr 

accepted the message at Beulah Park Camp Ground near 

Cleveland, Ohio, in 1907. That same year, Marie Burgess, 

later Mrs. Robert A. Brown, carried the message from 

Zion, Illinois, to New York City, where she and her husband 

pastored Glad Tidings Tabernacle, a strong missionary 

church in the Assemblies of God. 

In January, 1907, Glenn A. Cook held a revival in 

Indianapolis, where J. Roswell Flower, First General 

Secretary of the Assemblies of God, was converted. 

Alice Reynolds, later Mrs. J. Roswell Flower, received the 

baptism of the Holy Ghost at this time. Two years later, J. 

Roswell Flower gave up the study of law and, assisted by 

his fiancée, sponsored a camp meeting in Indianapolis. At 

this camp he, too, was filled with the Spirit. 

FORMING THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 

Others had similar experiences as the Pentecostal fire 

began to spread. Eventually it seemed necessary to form 

an organization of like-minded Pentecostals under one 

Bible name for the purpose of spreading the gospel, 

training workers, and banding together to send out 

missionaries. 

At the close of 

1913, E. N. Bell’s 

Pentecostal 

paper, the Word 

and Witness, 

issued the now 

famous call for a 

general council 

of Pentecostal 

ministers to 

convene in 

Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the spring of 1914—the call that 

culminated in the founding of the Assemblies of God. 

In the fall of 1913, Howard A. Goss, then pastor at Hot 

Springs, had discussed such a gathering with E. N. Bell, 

editor of Word and Witness. Since Goss had a lease on 

the Hot Springs Grand Opera House, they decided to call 

for a council to meet there April 2-12, 1914. Carried on 

the front page of the December 20 issue of Word and 


DR. GEORGE O. WOOD \\ PENNDEL AND THE AG IN PERSPECTIVE 

Witness, the call was addressed to “The Pentecostal Saints 

and Churches of God in Christ,” and was signed by M. M. 

Pinson, Phoenix, Arizona; A. P. Collins, Fort Worth, Texas; 

H. A. Goss, Hot Springs, Arkansas; D. C. O. Opperman, 

Houston, Texas; and E. N. Bell, Malvern, Arkansas. 

Five of the basic reasons for calling the General Council 

were (1) to achieve better understanding and unity of 

doctrine, (2) to know how to conserve God’s work at 

home and abroad, (3) to consult on protection of funds 

for missionary endeavors, (4) to explore the possibilities 

of chartering churches under a legal name, and (5) to 

consider the establishment of a Bible training school with a 

literary division. 

THE BASIS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 

“Keep the 

unity of the 

Spirit in 

the bonds 

of peace…” 

At the first General Council, a “Preamble 

and Resolution on Constitution” was 

adopted which identified the new 

Fellowship as the General Council 

of the Assemblies of God. This 

voluntary cooperative organization 

was inaugurated for the purpose of 

following “Scriptural methods and order 

for worship, unity, fellowship, work and business for God, 

and disapprove of all unscriptural methods, doctrines, 

and conduct” in order to “keep the unity of the Spirit in 

the bonds of peace, until we all come into the unity of the 

faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God …” (Eph. 

4:17-32). The delegates also moved to consider the five 

purposes announced in the Convention Call in the Word 

and Witness. 

This basis of fellowship held the Assemblies of God 

together until the Statement of Fundamental Truths was 

adopted in 1916 and until the official constitution and 

bylaws were adopted in 1927. From those formative years, 

the Assemblies of God has developed a multitude of 

evangelistic programs and experienced an explosive rate 

of growth, reaching all segments of society both in the U.S. 

and abroad. 

While the Assemblies of God is growing in America, 

the real story is the ethnic transformation of the AG as 

our Fellowship is becoming more global, diverse, and 

growing. Over the years there has been a demographic 

US ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 

• 12,897 Churches 

• 37,068 Ministers 

• Over 3 Million Adherents 

• 67 Million Adherents 

Worldwide 

shift in the AG. Certain 

segments of the AG 

seem to be in spiritual 

and numeral decline, 

mirroring the general 

decline of Western 

culture and its rejection 

of biblical value. However, non-whites and immigrants are 

eagerly embracing a strong Pentecostal identity, bringing 

much growth in numbers in the AG. The founders of our 

Movement laid the foundation for this growth when at the 

second General Council in November 1914, they committed 

the fellowship to “the greatest evangelism that the world 

has ever seen.” Currently, as of the 2015 statistics, the 

Assemblies of God in the U.S. has 12,897 churches, 37,068 

ministers, and over 3 million adherents. Worldwide, the 

Assemblies of God has over 67 million adherents. 

FORMATION OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT 

COUNCIL 

This same religious fervor and growth as seen in the 

Assemblies of God as a whole, is also found in the 

formations of the Eastern District which is now known 

as the PennDel Ministry Network. David McDowell did 

not attend the historical gathering in Hot Springs, but 

afterwards, Chairman E. N. Bell, notified him of his election 

as a General Presbyter for the Eastern part of the United 

States, instructing him to organize an Eastern District. 

After much planning and debate, the Eastern District was 

formed at a convention held June, 14, 1917 at Glad Tidings 

Hall, New York City, with Robert Brown as the host pastor. 

At that time the district included all the churches affiliated 

with the AG in the region east of the Ohio River and above 

the Potomac River. Early superintendents included John 

Coxe (1917-1918), Robert A. Brown (1918-1922), Joseph 

Tunmore (1922-1930), J. Roswell Flower 1930-1936), Flem 

Van Meter (1936-1943), and Wesley R. Steelberg (1943). 

The New England District 

(which later was split into 

Northern New England and 

Southern New England) 

was formed out of the 

2015 PENNDEL 

MINISTRY NETWORK 

434 Churches 

1,173 Ministers 

Eastern District in 1919. In 1943 a vote was taken to divide 

the district again, and New York-New Jersey became a 

district of its own (later becoming separate districts of 

New York and New Jersey in 1954). A. Newton Chase 

became the superintendent of the Eastern District after the 

split in 1943. Chase served as superintendent for 16 years 

(1943-1959), followed by Russell Williams (1959-1978), and 

then Philip Bongiorno (1978-2002). In 1983 the district 

voted to change its name to the Pennsylvania-Delaware 

District, which became effective on July 1, 1983. Currently 

the district has 434 churches and 1,173 ministers as shown 

in the 2015 statistics. Stephen R. Tourville is now serving 

as District Superintendent since 2002. This year marks 

the 100th MinistrieSummit/District Council as PennDel 

begins a year of reflection, commitment, and renewal as it 

embarks on its second century of growth and ministry. 


written by Donald J. Immel 

CARRYING THE VISION 

A Legacy of Leadership 

PENNDEL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS 

Leadership has always been an 

integral part of God’s plan. In the Old 

Testament we see men and women 

ordained by God to lead His people, Israel, 

and in the New Testament we see Jesus 

investing Himself in the Apostles to carry 

forward the task of building His church. 

The Apostles in turn invest themselves 

in growing leaders as can be seen in the 

relationship of Barnabas and Paul, Paul and 

Timothy, etc. These leaders would guide 

the church through its formative stages as 

new believers were added and discipled. 

When the General Council of the Assemblies 

of God was formed in the first quarter of 

the twentieth century, regional councils 

were developed under the General Council 

umbrella. David McDowell was chosen as the 

General Presbyter for the Northeast region 

and was asked to form a District Council 

east of Ohio and north of the Mason-Dixon 

Line. A call was extended to Pentecostal 

believers throughout the Northeast to meet 

at Glad Tidings Tabernacle in New York 

City in June 1917 for this purpose. Fifteen 

spirit-filled ministers met and signed the 

JOHN COXE (1917) ROBERT BROWN (1918-1922) JOSEPH TUNMORE (1922-1930) J. ROSWELL FLOWER 

(1930-1936) 

FLEMING VAN METER 

(1936-1943) 

JOHN COXE (1917) – served as the 

first District Superintendent for the newly 

formed “Eastern District.” The District was 

comprised of Pennsylvania and Delaware, 

New Jersey, New York, and the New 

England states. Coxe would serve only one 

year due in part to evangelistic meetings 

that he was holding in the mid-west. 

ROBERT BROWN (1918-1922) – 

Pastor of Glad Tidings in New York, was 

elected as the next “chairman” of the 

Eastern District. He would continue to 

pastor during his tenure of leadership, 

and would assist the fellowship in navigating 

the Oneness issue, sanctification 

as a second definite work, and women 

in ministry. 

10 | Centennial Celebration | May 2016 

JOSEPH TUNMORE (1922-1930) 

– after one year as both pastor and 

Superintendent, Joseph Tunmore was 

asked to do this work on a full time basis. 

Thus, Tunmore became the first full-time 

superintendent. Tunmore led the way 

for a basic constitution & bylaws to be 

adopted (written by J. Roswell Flower, 

and implemented before the General 

Council had such an instrument available). 

District “Home Missions” would begin 

under Tunmore, with the Great Depression 

posing challenges to the endeavor. 

Nevertheless, new churches were opened, 

and the work of the gospel continued. 

J. ROSWELL FLOWER (1930- 

1936) – having exceptional organizational 

abilities, would lead the District in establishing 

a campground and Bible school 

(Maranatha, 1931). Under his leadership, 

district departments for young people, 

Sunday School, and foreign missions were 

established. Additionally, six “zones” 

(sections) were defined, and Presbyters 

were appointed to lead in their respective 

areas. An assistant superintendent 

was elected to assist Flower in his duties 

(Flem Van Meter of Highway Tabernacle, 

Philadelphia). Flower was elected as 

Assistant General Superintendent at the 

14th General Council, and would eventually 

move to Springfield to fulfill those 

responsibilities. 

FLEMING VAN METER (1936- 

1943) – under Van Meter’s leadership, 

the District Secretary and Treasurer 

roles were combined into one full-time 

position. Despite the hardships of WWII, 

new churches were opened, and foreign 

missions giving continued to increase. A 

parsonage was built to house the District 

Superintendent.

“Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying: ‘Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, who may 

go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not 

be like sheep which have no shepherd.’” (Numbers 27:15 – 17; NKJV) 

roster. This meeting became the first District 

Council of the Eastern District, and from 

that meeting began an incredible legacy of 

leadership that would guide our fellowship 

through a century of effective growth and 

development. 

Reflect with me for a moment on how much 

change has occurred during the past 100 

years! These leaders guided a movement 

through a century of modernization, two 

world wars (and several other significant 

military conflicts), a Great Depression, civil 

unrest and civil rights movements, and a 

technological expansion that is unrivaled 

in history. It is in this context that God 

has sovereignly poured out His Spirit, and 

entrusted that outpouring to believers and 

their leaders for the propagation of the 

Gospel. The Assemblies of God has been 

a key player in the Pentecostal movement, 

and the PennDel Ministry Network has 

contributed significantly to our region and 

to our national “General Council.” As you 

look at the photos and brief captions of 

each of our District Superintendents, you 

will see the legacy of 10 men who have 

been leaders and servants to our churches, 

ministers, and the Assemblies of God 

fellowship. 

WESLEY STEELBERG (1943) A. NEWTON CHASE (1944-1959) RUSSELL WILLIAMS (1959-1978) PHILIP BONGIORNO 

(1978-2002) 

STEPHEN R. TOURVILLE 

(2002-PRESENT) 

WESLEY STEELBERG (1943) – 

was elected as Superintendent to lead the 

process of dividing the Eastern District 

into multiple districts. Pennsylvania- 

Delaware retained the legal name, and 

Wesley Steelberg became the Superintendent 

for the New York-New Jersey District. 

Steelberg eventually became the General 

Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. 

A. NEWTON CHASE (1944-1959) 

– saw the creation of a full time Sunday 

School/Christ’s Ambassador Director. 

Also during his leadership the Women’s 

and Men’s Ministry departments were 

created. A new office building was erected 

for the District, and parsonages for fulltime 

staff were either built or purchased 

during this time. 

RUSSELL WILLIAMS (1959-1978) 

– wrestled with issues regarding having an 

accredited Bible college. Northeast Bible 

Institute became Northeast Bible College, 

and eventually moved to Phoenixville, 

presently the University of Valley Forge. 

Consolidating the camps, initiating a 

retirement home, and developing a district 

“building and loan fund” were hot button 

issues during William’s tenure of ministry. 

Property was purchased in Shippensburg to 

host a retirement home and central camp. 

PHILIP BONGIORNO (1978-2002) 

– initiated the “PennDel Loan Fund,” (now 

HIS Fund) which made financing church 

construction projects a much easier and 

friendly proposition. Bongiorno also led 

the way to consolidate the eastern and 

western camps into one central wellappointed 

conference center. A full time 

“assistant to the Superintendent” was 

added to the District staff to oversee 

Home Missions. Additionally, a new 

District Office was constructed under his 

leadership. 

STEPHEN R. TOURVILLE 

(2002-PRESENT) – initiated the motto 

“We’re Better Together,” as exemplified in 

the “C3” concept. Catalyst, Coaching, and 

Connect groups were formed, revitalizing 

fellowship and mutual encouragement 

for PennDel pastors. Although the term 

District is still functional, “Network” 

better describes the interrelationships and 

resourcing that are shared. Reproduction 

is another functional value that has driven 

a church planting movement throughout 

the Network. For the first time in our 

history, PennDel has crested the 400 

mark, and presently lists 434 churches. 



PENNDEL DISTRICT 

SECRETARY / TREASURER 

PENNDEL MINISTRY NETWORK 

100 Years In The Making 

THE EARLY YEARS 

On June 14, 1917, the first District Council of the Eastern 

District was held at Glad Tidings Tabernacle in Brooklyn, 

New York. The opening statements of those minutes give a 

clear expression of what happened in that meeting: 

“Other preachers and 

workers having expressed a 

desire for closer fellowship, 

and himself believing it to 

be the Lord’s will, Brother 

Robert A Brown, Pastor 

of Glad Tidings Assembly 

and General Presbyter of 

the Assemblies of God 

(incorporated), issued a 

call for a Conference of 

pastors and leaders at Glad 

Tidings Hall, June 14, 1917. 

On the appointed day the 

meeting was held with 

very good attendance and much blessing. It was called 

to order by Brother Brown who stated the reasons for 

the gathering. After prayer the Conference proceeded to 

transact the following business: 

Pursuant to call, the council met at 

10:30A.M., and organized by electing 

Brother John Coxe, Chairman, and 

Brother W.W. Simpson, Secretary. On 

motion the meeting declared itself to 

be the Eastern District Council of the 

Assemblies of God (incorporated) of 

St. Louis, Missouri. 

“On motion such persons present as hold credentials from 

the General Council or are in full sympathy and intend 

to affiliate with it in the near future were recognized as 

members of this Council and entitled to vote.” (excerpt from 

the first Eastern District Council minutes; June 14, 1917)” 

14 men and 1 woman from Pennsylvania, New York, New 

Jersey, and Connecticut signed the roster and comprised 

the membership of the first Eastern District Council. 

And so it began…a fellowship of Spirit filled believers 

connecting for the purpose of unity in evangelism and 

purity in doctrine and practice. The district was not formed 

to establish or introduce the Holy Spirit to the region. That 

began about a decade before as the outpouring of the 

Holy Spirit in the mid-west and on the west coast began to 

find its way to the northeastern United States. 

Emil Samuelson is reputed to be 

the first to bring the experience 

of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 

to Pennsylvania. Emil was a postal 

worker and traveled the railroad 

between Bradford, Pennsylvania and 

Rochester, New York carrying out 

his duties. Samuelson wrote of his experience: “Reports 

had been coming that the Lord was pouring out His Spirit; 

people that were tarrying before Him would be blessed 

and would speak in other languages as they did on the day 

of Pentecost. Some said this was of God and others said 

it was not…Pastor Erdman had been in Los Angeles and 

had received this experience. Once while in Rochester on 

a Friday night I attended the Erdman meeting. As we were 

standing up it seemed the Lord said, ‘why not go up and 

find out if it is from me or not…’ After a little while Brother 


Erdman came, put his hand on my head and asked me, 

‘what are you here for?’ I answered, ‘For the Baptism of the 

Holy Spirit.’ He said, ‘Lift up your hands,’ and with that he 

started to pray. I fell on the floor and while there I saw the 

Lord Jesus coming in the air, on clouds. Turning my head 

I saw a stream of people going into perdition until I cried 

out, ‘Lord please delay your coming in order that souls 

may be saved.’ Then I started to speak in other languages.” 

(“Samuelson’s Saga,” Emil Samuelson). Samuelson was not 

alone in receiving the Holy Spirit baptism. Accounts are 

recorded in church historical and anniversary documents 

identifying that the Holy Spirit was being poured out in an 

uncoordinated fashion in what is now the PennDel District. 

For example: 

In 1908 a number of Christians in New 

Castle heard about the outpouring 

of the Holy Spirit at the Azusa Street 

Mission in Los Angeles. As a result of 

some prayer meetings in various homes, 

a remarkable outpouring of the Holy 

Spirit occurred establishing what is now 

New Castle First Assembly of God. 

From 1908 to 1910 in South Central 

Pennsylvania, the Holy Spirit was 

baptizing believers in Waynesboro, 

Pennsylvania in what is now Calvary 

Assembly. 

Around the same time in Northcentral 

Pennsylvania, Anne Beisel of 

Allentown received the Baptism of the 

Holy Spirit with no known connection 

to any special meeting or influence. 

Prior to 1910, Pentecost came to the Pittsburgh area 

through the ministry of Frank Causley. This group of 

Pentecostals would eventually form and become Calvary 

AG (now New Hope) in Clairton. By 1914, a small group of 

Spirit filled believers were meeting in Lancaster and began 

to hold revival meetings on the second floor of a market. 

This group would eventually comprise the membership of 

Lancaster First AG. 

Despite ridicule, persecution, and well-intentioned but 

misguided doctrinal difficulties, the Pentecostal movement 

was moving forward. People were being saved, filled with 

the Holy Spirit, and called into the ministry. Cohesion 

was both desired and needed. In order to fulfill a larger 

purpose, the Lord saw fit to assemble these Pentecostals 

in a movement and structure that would literally change 

the church world. In the Northeast, the movement began 

Bethel, NJ 

Minnie Draper 

to take shape in 1917 at the first Eastern District Council of 

the Assemblies of God. 

During the early years of the Eastern District, the 

church found itself facing historic events like World 

War 1, Prohibition, Women’s “Suffrage” (the right to 

vote). Internally, our fellowship grappled with doctrinal 

issues such as sanctification and the Oneness (or 

“Jesus only”) movement. In the second District Council 

future Superintendent, Joseph Tunmore, is recorded as 

expressing great concern over a decline in the belief of 

the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues and 

accompanying signs “as at the beginning.” Concern over 

spiritual vibrancy and vitality seems to be part of our 

Assemblies of God DNA – and rightly so! 

Additionally, the role of women in ministry became a topic 

of debate. Reuben Hartwick and J. Clayton Sheridan II 

noted in our 75 th District Council publication “that even 

though Resolution #5 of the first District Council had 

stated, ‘…we regard it unscriptural for a woman to be head 

of a Bible School for the training of men and missionaries,’ 

most of the small Pentecostal schools had been started 

by women, including Bethel (in Newark, NJ) which had 

been started by Minnie Draper…handmaidens were being 

called and used by God and were seeking recognition by 

the new Council.” (“Musings on the Minutes and Memories 

of Seventy-Five Years of the PennDel District of the 

Assemblies of God,” J. Clayton Sheridan II and A. Reuben 

Hartwick) 

Camp meetings proved to be of immeasurable value 

for inspiration and discipleship within the Pentecostal 

movement in general, and within the Assemblies of God 

in particular. Camps and camp meetings were held in 

various locations throughout the Eastern District in the 

northeastern United States. They were held in Lancaster, 

Long Island, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Philadelphia. 

Notable speakers like Maria Woodworth-Etter and Aimee 

Semple-McPherson were featured speakers, with notable 

attendees, like C.M. Ward, who received the baptism of 


the Holy Spirit at a camp meeting held at Kennywood 

Park near Pittsburgh. Frank & Will Casley were influential 

in facilitating camp meetings around Pittsburgh, which 

inadvertently delayed Superintendent Joseph Tunmore’s 

desire to establish a District camp in that area. The Casley’s 

camp meetings eventually established Free Gospel 

churches and the Free Gospel Bible Institute in Export, just 

outside of Pittsburgh. Despite the enormous challenges 

of the early 30’s and the corresponding Great Depression, 

the Eastern District continued to grow. Churches were 

planted, missionaries were sent, and campgrounds were 

established, then purchased. 

THE DEVELOPMENTAL YEARS 

Maranatha became the campground 

(1931) for the eastern side of the state 

under the direction of J. Roswell 

Flower, and Living Waters campground 

was established near Cherry Tree on 

the western side of the state (1934). 

Maranatha hosted a summer bible 

school, which eventually morphed into Eastern Bible 

Institute with the consolidation of four bible schools from 

the Northeast, and ultimately became the University of 

Valley Forge. 

The Eastern District continued to grow and develop 

during the Great Depression Era, establishing Christ’s 

Ambassadors as the official name of ministry to youth. 

Sunday School and Foreign Missions departments were 

added to the District ministries. A full time District 

Superintendent had been ordered in 1923, but by 1941 it 

was deemed necessary to combine the offices of secretary 

and treasurer into one full time office. During the 1940’s 

the world was at war in Europe and in the Pacific. The 

events of a world at war were on everyone’s minds, as 

was reflected in the minutes of various District Councils. 

But the church still grew! By 1943, it was time to grow 

by division. The Eastern District would be divided into 

two districts: the New York - New Jersey District, with 

Pennsylvania-Delaware retaining the name “Eastern 

District.” The revised Eastern District was comprised of 122 

churches and 248 ministers. 

The Eastern District was also providing 

leadership for the General Council. E.S. 

Williams, pastor of Highway Tabernacle, 

would serve as General Superintendent 

for the Assemblies of God (1929-1949), as 

would Wesley Steelburg (1949-1952), also 

a former pastor at Highway Tabernacle 

and former District Superintendent for the 

Eastern District. J. Roswell Flower, a former 

Eastern District Pastor & Superintendent, 

would be called upon to serve in the 

national office as General Secretary and 

Assistant General Superintendent. 

WWII concluded in the fall of 1945. For the next twentyfive 

years, the American economy would experience 

growth. In Pennsylvania steel, coal, and industry would 

remain strong, although labor issues would necessitate 

presidential intervention twice in the 1950’s. Unionization 

gained strength in both industrial and professional 

contexts. Families were idyllically portrayed in shows 

like “Father Knows Best,” “Leave It To Beaver,” and 

“The Andy Griffith Show.” In this cultural backdrop, the 

Eastern District continued on a trajectory of growth and 

development. Women’s Ministries and Men’s Ministries 

were instituted in the early 50’s. At about the same time 

Christ’s Ambassadors began holding District Conventions 

for our youth (1956). By the 40 th District Council (1956) we 

would have 238 churches and 498 ministers. This growth 

would result in building a brand new District Office in 

Camp Hill and building or otherwise acquiring four homes 

for the full-time District leaders. 

In 1958, one Eastern District pastor would 

distinguish himself through a simple act 

of obedience to the Holy Spirit. David 

Wilkerson, while reading an article in a 

January issue of LIFE magazine, distinctly 

felt impressed to go to a trial in New York 


DONALD J. IMMEL \\ 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING 

City. Gang members comprised of young 

people were indicted for murder. A 

sketch of the seven defendants grabbed 

Wilkerson. “I was dumbfounded by a 

thought that sprang suddenly into my 

head - full-blown, as though it had come 

to me from somewhere else. Go to New 

York City and help those boys.” (“The 

Cross and The Switchblade,” page 7) 

Wilkerson made arrangements with 

his growing Philipsburg congregation 

to go to the city with his youth pastor. 

Wilkerson’s actions resulted in his 

expulsion from the courtroom, but 

ultimately began the ministry of Teen 

Challenge. The book “The Cross and 

The Switchblade,” as well as a movie by 

the same title, helped to make David 

Wilkerson a familiar name within church 

circles. His cut-and-dry ministry style 

made for a prophetic voice in the church 

world until his death in 2011. 

THE GROWTH YEARS 

American society entered a period 

of cultural revolution during the next 

decade. The assassination of president 

John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and 

the hippie, women’s liberation, and civil 

rights movements marked the decade 

of the 60’s as a time of redefinition. 

1962 and 1963 were years that impacted 

religious expression by eliminating prayer 

and bible reading in public schools. 

These trends were met with responses 

in District Councils whereby resolutions 

were drafted to express various stands 

to curb the receding Christian influence 

in the public forum. The Eastern 

District continued to define itself in 

the ever-shifting currents of society. A 

regionalized, accredited institution of 

higher education caused great concern 

among Assemblies of God members. 

Once this direction was adopted and 

enacted, a response was issued by Hubert 

Bunney to create a non-accredited 

ministerial training alternative (Western 

Pennsylvania Bible Institute) which met 

in Butler, Pennsylvania and later moved 

to Long Island. Eastern Bible Institute 

morphed into Northeast Bible Institute 

and became Northeastern Bible College. 

During the leadership 

of Superintendent 

Russell Williams, 

considerations 

were under way 

to centralize 

the eastern and 

western campgrounds in favor of more 

modernized facilities. Property was 

purchased in Shippensburg for this 

purpose, with additional consideration 

being given to building a retirement 

home and moving the district office to 

this centralized location. A loan fund to 

finance the concept was also discussed. 

These ideas would eventually be realized 

in other forms after Superintendent 

Williams’ tenure of leadership. Williams’ 

legacy demonstrated that he was a 

man ahead of his time. Brother Russell 

Williams is fondly remembered as a 

beloved pastor’s pastor, a premier 

visiting preacher with a sense of humor 

always at the ready. 

By 1966, the Assemblies of God in 

Pennsylvania & Delaware celebrated their 

50 th District Council. At 95 years of age, 

Emil Samuelson was the eldest credential 

holder present, providing a thread of 

continuity from the beginning of the 

District to its Golden Anniversary. 

As the 60’s rolled along, two other 

movements were about to be birthed: the 

Jesus Movement (San Francisco, 1967) 

and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal 

(January 1967, Duquesne University 

– Pittsburgh, PA). The charismatic 

movement brought Pentecost into the 

mainline denominations, with many of 

its adherents flowing into Assemblies 

of God churches where the expression 

was normative and welcomed. The Jesus 

movement invigorated ministry among 

young people. 

In the Eastern District the annual “C.A. 

Conventions” swelled to record breaking 

attendances throughout the decade of 

the 70’s. “We moved the convention 

from the Zembo Shrine Center because 

it would only hold about 2800 people” 

recalls Paul Wislocky - former “District 

In search of a Spiritual experience, 

professors from Duquesne 

University, a Catholic university in 

Pittsburgh, attended the Congress 

of the Cursillo movement in August 

1966. While visiting, they were 

introduced to the book entitled 

The Cross and the Switchblade, 

which emphasized the Holy Spirit 

and the Spirit’s charisms. This book 

became the focus of their studies 

and further led them to pursue the 

Holy Spirit. 

In January 1967, professors Ralph 

Keifer and Patrick Bourgeois 

attended a prayer meeting where 

they ultimately received the 

baptism in the Holy Spirit. The 

following week, Keifer laid hands 

on other Duquesne professors, 

and they also had an experience 

with the Spirit. Then, in February, 

during a gathering at Duquesne 

University, more people asked 

Keifer to pray over them. This led 

to the event at the chapel where 

they too received the Holy Spirit 

and spoke in tongues, as well as 

many other students who were 

present in the chapel. [5] Keifer 

sent the news of this event to the 

University of Notre Dame, where 

a similar event later occurred, and 

the Renewal began to spread. 

(Wikipedia, “Catholic Charismatic 

Renewal) 


Christ Ambassador President” (DCAP, ’69-‘76). “We moved 

to the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg as our attendance 

increased to about 10,000.” One of the highlights of the 

C.A. Conventions of this time was the patriotic “Proclaim 

Liberty” themed convention that coincided with our 

nation’s bicentennial. Vietnam veteran Dave Roever was a 

featured speaker, and the Couriers provided special music, 

including “Statue of Liberty,” which would become the 

Gospel Music Associations’ song of the year for 1976. 

As the decade of the 70’s came to 

a close, a new era of leadership was 

beginning. Assistant Superintendent 

Philip Bongiorno acceded to the 

superintendency of the District. The 

district would see numerous substantive 

changes converge within a relatively 

short period of time. The name for the District was 

changed from “Eastern District” to “the Pennsylvania- 

Delaware District,” better relating its geographical 

boundaries. The district owned properties in Shippensburg 

were placed on the market after Camp Shand (now 

the Bongiorno Conference Center) was negotiated for 

purchase from a $1 million dollar asking price to $500,000. 

Immediate plans were developed and construction began 

to provide better meeting, dining, and lodging facilities. 

The Penn-Del Loan Fund (now Heritage Investment 

Services or HIS Fund) was established, providing an easier 

avenue for churches to secure financing for building 

projects in a banking market that was often encumbered 

and unreasonably difficult in its dealings with churches. 

In this context, the PennDel District grew numerically. The 

decade of the 80’s revealed a 16% growth in churches, 

going from 286 in 1977 to 340 before the close of the 

decade. A new full time District ministry was established 

for the purpose of planting churches. J. Clayton Sheridan II 

became the first Assistant to the Superintendent with the 

primary purpose of overseeing the district Home Missions 

program. 

As the fellowship faced the close of a millennium, urgency 

was felt to advance the cause of Christ with greater fervor. 

The Decade of Harvest became the Assemblies of God 


The Couriers were known for 

singing the hymn “I Sing The 

Mighty Power” a cappella to 

open their concerts. This practice 

began when the Couriers were 

ministering in Africa and the 

power went off while singing 

that hymn. They finished the 

song without the accompaniment 

track and continued singing it 

without instrumentation in most 

subsequent concerts. 

theme for the 90’s. On a national level, the 

effort fell short of the lofty and noble desires 

of this evangelistic plan. During this period, 

the Assemblies of God in Pennsylvania and 

Delaware did experience continued growth. 

By 1991 the Penn-Del Loan Fund had grown 

from $5,000 at inception to assets totaling 

nearly $6 million. The PennDel Conference 

Center experienced continued expansion 

and improvement. A new District Office was 

constructed and dedicated in 1996. 

The new millennium brought with it doomsday messages 

as well as legitimate concerns, as seemed to be the case 

at the turn of the previous century. Fear-mongers peddled 

their books and products, urging believers to prepare for 

the inevitable Y2K (Year 2000) disaster. History would 

prove that a greater danger loomed on the horizon – the 

proportions of which would affect our nation and the 

world. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 affected 

the east coast. The little community of Shanksville, 

Pennsylvania would earn a place in the American psyche 

as one of the significant reference points with its crash 

site for the Washington DC bound Flight 93. Sylvia Baker, 

pastor of the small Assembly of God congregation in 

that town, found herself ministering on a world stage as 

reporters and investigators came to explore the facts 

surrounding this piece of the tragedy. 

THE TRANSITIONAL YEARS 

In 2002, a 

transition of 

major importance 

occurred. Philip 

Bongiorno, who 

had led our district 

for 24 years as 

superintendent, 

retired. The District 

Council elected 

Stephen Tourville to fill this role. Superintendent Tourville 

served our district as the lead pastor of four churches, 

as a sectional presbyter, and as the Assistant to the 

Superintendent. He was serving the General Council as 

the Intercultural Ministries Director when he was elected 

as District Superintendent. The culture of Pastor Steve’s 

leadership is well identified by the Network tag line: 

“We’re Better Together.” Immediate emphasis was given to 

three guiding purposes of the PennDel Ministry Network: 

reproduce leaders, develop relationships, and equip 

with resources. With attendance at sectional fellowship 

meetings declining, Pastor Steve and the leadership team 

developed the C3 approach to meeting the ministry

DONALD J. IMMEL \\ 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING 

and personal needs of ministers. Former Assistant 

Superintendent Paul Grabill identified that PennDel has 

a “glut of leadership,” the thought of which became an 

underpinning of the C3 model, releasing leaders from the 

confines of geography and a limited number of leadership 

opportunities. Ministers had freedom and permission to 

develop ministry among the brethren in three key areas: 

Catalyst groups would focus on exciting and expanding 

church planting efforts. Coaching groups are peer to peer 

opportunities for improving ministry in its many forms 

within the Network. Connect groups provide a format 

where needful fellowship and personal care are offered 

among those who participate. Sectional Fellowships 

continue in many of the geographical areas, with wider 

participation being enjoyed to the increased opportunities 

provided by the interest and needs based groups. 

Year Credential Churches 

Holders 

1943 122 248 

1946 305 163 

1956 418 234 

1966 522 245 

1976 605 274 

1986 727 315 

1996 755 352 

2006 967 354 

2016 1,171 437 

Many of our established 

events and identities 

have been reframed to 

remain current in how 

they communicate to our 

Assemblies of God family. 

The PennDel District is more 

often referred to as the 

PennDel Ministry Network, 

reflecting the idea of 

relationship over geographic 

boundaries. Ministers’ Institute 

is now Ministers’ Enrichment, and District Council is now 

referenced as MinistrieSummit. These nuances speak 

volumes in the approach to ministry effectiveness in this 

new millennium. More than branding, these identify who 

we are as a people and how we function in Pentecostal 

Christendom. That being said, the effective ministry of 

the Network continues to expand. In 2002, the Network 

recorded 380 churches. Since then we have enjoyed a 

16% growth in churches, with 440 recorded as of this 

centennial year. PennDel has been the leading district in 

church planting for two years through partnerships with 

anointed church planters, catalyst networks and sections. 

By action of the Presbytery, over $1.8 million has been 

invested from PennDel directly into church planting since 

2000. Through the 20/20 Plan, churches that receive 

funding are investing 5% back each month to plant more 

churches. Our ministry family has grown from 746 in 1991 

to 1,173 in 2015. 

World Missions giving has increased substantially, with 

the PennDel Ministry Network partnering to achieve 

substantial results in Burkina Faso, India, Israel, and most 

recently in East Africa. Over $1 million has been given 

through our network in project offerings to advance the 

cause of missions among unreached people groups across 

the world. 

THE YEARS TO COME 

What does the future hold, 

and where are we going 

from here? After 100 years, 

the world in which we 

represent Christ has changed 

substantially. The age of 

technology and information 

has both impacted and defined this generation. Our 

founders and forefathers could only have dreamed of the 

opportunities that radio, television, the internet, along 

with the ease and availability of travel have afforded this 

generation. Conversely, they would have been staggered 

by broadly accepted expressions of moral decay that 

have become normalized throughout both secular and 

religious culture. The opportunities seem counterbalanced 

by the challenges or vice versa. Despite cultural shifts and 

scientific advancements, the vision that we carry forward 

is to communicate the gospel with the enablement of 

the Holy Spirit. We want to show the love of God without 

compromising the truth of God’s Word. The vision is of 

lost people being found, of believers becoming disciples, 

where both the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are 

cultivated in the culture of Assemblies of God churches. 

Although we celebrate a movement that has grown in our 

area from fifteen ministers to well over a thousand and 

just over a dozen churches to hundreds of congregations, 

we are preoccupied by the millions who have yet to 

experience a full and vibrant relationship with God through 

the Lord Jesus Christ. 


A CENTURY OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPM 

Emil Samuelson 

A postal worker from 

Bradford, PA is baptized 

in the Holy Spirit at Elim 

Tabernacle, Rochester, 

NY. Emil is thought to be 

the first person to bring 

Pentecost to Pennsylvania. 

He founded the AG church 

in Bradford, and would be 

ordained in 1918. 

First Constitution 

& Bylaws 

adopted by 

Eastern District 

Council 

(preceding General 

Council CBL) 

Christ’s 

Ambassadors 

Instituted by 


J. Roswell Flower, 

and a District 

Youth “Committee” 

inaugurated 

Living Waters Camp begins 

annual camp meetings in 

Cherry Tree, PA. This would 

become the western camp 

for the Eastern District. 

Women’s 

Ministries 

Begins with Elsie Eich, 

a former missionary, 

as appointed leader 

of the “Women’s 

Missionary Council.” 

1904 1927 1934 1935 1951 

1917 1931 1943 1953 

First Eastern District Council 

Glad Tidings, NYC 

Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New 

Jersey, New England States 

15 people in attendance; 

John Coxe elected as chairman, and 

would serve for one year. Robert 

Brown, pastor of Glad Tidings, would 

succeed him from 1918-1922. 

Maranatha Camp 

purchased in Green Lane, PA. 

The first camp was held in 

1932, with a summer 

Bible school included. 

This would be the precursor 

to EBI, NBI, NBC, and VFCC. 

Eastern District divided: 

Pennsylvania and Delaware 

retain the designation as the 

“Eastern District.” 

New York, New Jersey, 

and New England become 

new districts. 

Men’s 

Ministry 

Begins under 

the leadership 

of future 


Russell Williams. 

John Coxe 


ENT IN THE PENNDEL MINISTRY NETWORK 

“One generation will commend your works to another; 

they will tell of your mighty acts.” (Ps. 145:4) 

Eastern 

District Office 

Construction 

approved, along 

with funds to 

purchase three 

parsonages for 

District employees. 

Northeast 

Bible College 

(Formerly NBI) moves 

from Maranatha to 

Phoenixville and 

becomes Valley Forge 

Christian College. 

Formerly owned by the 

YMCA and known as Camp 

Shand, this facility was 

purchased to centralize 

east/west camps. 

District Office 

moves to newly 

constructed 

facility in 

Mechanicsburg, PA. 

PennDel 

Ministry 

Network 

records 400+ 

churches for the 

first time. 

1957 1976 1983 1996 2014 

1958 1983 2002 2016 

Teen Challenge begins after David 

Wilkerson, pastoring in Philipsburg, PA 

takes note of troubled teens in NYC. 

Eastern District Council is 

renamed 

Pennsylvania-Delaware 

District Council 

Superintendent Philip 

Bongiorno retires; 

Stephen R. Tourville 

begins tenure of 

Network leadership 

100th District Council 

May 2-4, 2016 

Christian Life Assembly 

Camp Hill, PA 


Church Planting 

Tom Rees 

PENNDEL DISTRICT HOME MISSIONS 

THIS IS OUR 

Handy Christopher 

personally planted 

17 churches 

throughout the 

Eastern District, 

and supervised 

four other church 

plants in his role as District Home 

Missions director between 1924 

-1972. During this time he also 

pastored several churches and held 

numerous evangelistic crusades. 

Church Planting Past… 

Home Missions has been emphasized from the inception of the District with a 

Home Missions fund established by the 6th Council in 1922. 

When Home Missions really seems to click, it is a sectional project. However, 

most sections had very little cash so what was offered mostly was prayer and 

moral support. Men with a burden for a particular locality would go in with 

very little remuneration, sacrificing until a work was started. Older men as well 

as young men have done this. Eastern Bible Institute (now University of Valley 

Church Planting Now! 

Former Assistant Superintendent, Paul Grabill, envisioned 

and championed a day when apostolic leaders would 

be released to plant and revitalize churches for rapid 

Kingdom expansion. That dream has become a reality as 

the PennDel Ministry Network has catalyzed into a network 

of church planting movements. 

Superintendent Stephen R. Tourville and the Presbytery 

have led the way with over $2 million dollars invested 

since 2002 in church planters because of the faithfulness 

of ministers’ tithes. At the heart of it all are the men and 

women that make sacrifices to pioneer and revitalize 

churches. Here are just a few examples… 


CRANBERRY COMMUNITY 

CHURCH, CRANBERRY, PA 

Pastor Joseph & Emily Gibson 

In the end, our desire is to impact 

our community and the world 

around us for the Kingdom of God 

far beyond our own capabilities. 

CROSSPOINT ASSEMBLY OF 

GOD - CARMICHAELS, PA 

Pastor Joshua & Anne Koss 

Starting off with 12 people on our 

first Sunday and now ministering to 

over 100 people each week.... Much 

of this success is the direct result 

of the partnership of churches 

throughout the Southwest Suburban Section and Faith 

Assembly of God in Uniontown. This partnership is exactly 

what the PennDel District has modeled from the top down; 

“We ARE Better Together.”

Highway Mission Tabernacle (gospel car), Philadelphia, 1920 

2015 Launch, Allison Park Church 

MOMENT! 

Forge) endeavored to instill a pioneering spirit into the 

students, especially Milton Wells with his class in methods 

of pioneering churches. 

When A. Newton Chase, Superintendent for fifteen years, 

was asked what was the major factor of the growth of the 

District, he immediately without hesitation replied, “the 

willingness of men to sacrifice to pioneer new works.” 

“In 1926, at the 10th Council, a Home Missions policy was 

formulated. Still wrestling with the desired expansion, the 

17th Council in 1933 recommended the churches go to the 

neighboring town in the present day ‘Mother Church Plan’ 

of helping a new Assembly get started in another area 

with finances, personnel, and even members.” (A. Reuben 

Hartwick, April 1966) 

“In May 1944, at Harrisburg, with a voting delegation of 

195, statistics were given that the District had a population 

of 10,166,685. There were 106 cities with a population over 

1,000 without an Assemblies of God witness. The following 

year, as an incentive to be a pioneer pastor, one half of 

his weekly salary of $40 would be paid by the District. 

At the 30th Council it was reported that three new Home 

Missions churches had been started.” (J. Clayton Sheridan, 

Jr., May 1991) 

SOLID ROCK REVIVAL 

CENTER - BRIDGEVILLE, PA 

Pastor Prabhu & Sucila Isaac 

Solid Rock Revival Church is an 

offshoot of Voice of the Solid Rock 

Ministries founded in Saudi Arabia. 

Now, the ministry has expanded 

with six churches in India and one in 

the United States. We have been serving families and the 

Indian community especially in the city of Pittsburgh, PA 

since 2006. 

TRANSFORMATION CHURCH - 

GROVE CITY, PA 

Pastor Scott & Laurie Lewis 

Jesus is all about change. 

Transformation Church endeavors 

to partner with Christ in this mission 

of change… to experience personal 

change and to be used to foster 

change in our homes, families, neighborhoods, schools, 

work places, churches, campuses, communities and beyond! 

NEW CITY CHURCH - 

WILMINGTON, DE 

Pastor Eric & Tiffany Spanier 

We just celebrated our 100 th Year 

Anniversary. Now, in 2016, we have 

recaptured that vision to become a 

beacon of hope for our city and for 

our community as New City Church. 

CAPITAL CITY CHURCH - 

HARRISBURG, PA 

Pastor Freddie & Minnie Salas 

We want to show appreciation 

to the One who has given us this 

building and this opportunity to 

witness His Holy Spirit move in 

such a mighty way. He is healing 

and setting people free. He is empowering people to live 

radically changed lives. And He is allowing us to walk with 

Him as He continues to move in this land. 


Assistant Superintendent 

Bryan Koch 

PENNDEL DISTRICT ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT 

CARRYING THE VISION 

Through the 3 C’s 

2016 is a defining year for the PennDel Ministry Network. 

“Carrying The Vision” is not only the theme of the MinistrieSummit, but is also what 

our Network has been doing for a hundred years! There have been many effective 

and influential ministries established during this past century. I have been given the 

privilege to share my thoughts about a few of them with you. 

The Penndel Network covers the states of Pennsylvania 

and Delaware and exists to reach millions of lost people 

who need Jesus and to encourage ministers to partner 

together to see that happen. I remember when Pastor 

Steve was elected as our Network Superintendent to 

lead our powerful AG district, which is full of amazing 

ministers and good sectional fellowship. Steve has always 

been a leader that provides opportunity for all of us to 

share our passion for the ministries we lead. 

I’ve often said at GT Church in Reading “that healthy 

things grow and that growth must lead to change.” 

Webster’s Dictionary defines “change” simply as: 

to become different 

to make (someone or something) different 

to become something else 

In the spirit of “healthy change,” Pastor Steve conducted 

listening forums across the Network to better serve 

the current needs of our ministers. As a result of these 

forums, C3 was launched. C3 was based more on ministry 

growth than geographical boundaries. The three C’s are: 

1 

COACHING 

GROUPS 

Coaching is defined 

as: “A method of 

directing, instructing and training a 

person or group of people with the 

aim to achieve some goal or develop 

specific skills.” There are many ways 

to coach, types of coaching and 

methods to coaching. Direction 

may include motivational speaking 

and training may include seminars, 

workshops, and supervised practice 

one-on-one. Bill Ellis, who leads this 

initiative, has done an amazing job!! 

COACHING \\ CONNECT \\ CATALYST \\ 


Boot Camp, Carlisle, 2004 

2 

3 

CONNECT GROUPS 

Most people who have been around church for a while have a pretty good idea what a small 

Group is. Or do they? The following definition may give new understanding to the term “Small 

Group:” A Small Group is an intentional gathering, meeting regularly for the purpose of joining 

God’s mission. Connect groups meet across our Network with connecting on a personal level 

as the goal. We are grateful to David Kennard for all he has done to help us intentionally meet 

together to encourage each other and further God’s mission. 

CATALYST GROUPS 

The definition of “catalyst” is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen more quickly 

and a person or event that quickly causes change or action. At the heart of Catalyst groups was the 

desire to see the apostolic leadership gift develop throughout our Network. This value was strongly 

planted by former Assistant Superintendent Paul Grabil. Through our Catalyst groups, this is exactly 

what has happened! I have personally been involved with Catalyst from the beginning. The Apostolic 

gifting and church planting networks have grown amazingly! If I started naming names it could be 

very dangerous because I’m certainly not aware of all that has happened over the last decade in C3. 

But I would like to specifically express my gratitude to Tom Rees for developing and launching church 

planters, and men like Gerry Stoltzfus, Steve Defrain and his son, Steve, along with many other church 

planters, multi-site launches and PAC churches! We all celebrate Reach Northeast and City Reach 

Networks. They have not only greatly impacted the vision of the PennDel Network, but also our entire 

fellowship through supernatural efforts in church planting! We are incredibly thankful for the ministry 

gifts and passion of Jeff Leake, Brian Bolt and their teams. 

All three of these C3 groups started with great passion and vision by their leaders. 

As we have heard many times, we are always “better together.” But in my opinion we have never been 

better than when we are “Carrying the Vision” together! Let this be a defining year for you… Get involved 

with C3 and reaching Pennsylvania and Delaware! Imagine what we can do together in the years to come! 


World Missions 



A CENTURY OF PENNDEL 

For one full century, the Eastern District (now 

PennDel Ministry Network) has been sending 

missionaries to engage in “the greatest 

evangelism the world has ever seen!” In December 

of 1916, Christopher and Inez Hines went to Guatemala 

and would become the Eastern District’s first 

recorded missionaries. That same month W.W. & 

Martha Simpson left for China, and would represent 

the District’s second missionaries. A total of 131 

missionaries have been sent from our District over 

the years, with 38 fully appointed missionaries 

and 18 missionary associates presently engaged in 

global ministry. Their stories are as inspiring as they 

are diverse. Personal sacrifices were sometimes 

monumental. Their experiences were legendary. Some 

would bury their spouse on their field of service 

(Margaret Baltau in 1919 and Isabelle Mueller in 1922). 

Some would find their helpmate on the field (John 

& Bernice Burgess, India 1926-1953). Others would 

find their efforts interrupted by world events (George 

& Helga Hemminger had to return from Africa 

during World War II because travel had become so 

dangerous). Others, like Annie Bailey (’44-’86, China/ 

Hong Kong) would so impact their place of service, 

that dignitaries would honor them in their passing. As 

the United States was exiting the Great Depression 

Network Notes of Interest: 

First District Missionaries – 

Christopher and Inez Hines 

(Guatemala, 1916-1919) 

Most recently fully appointed missionaries: 

Bobby & Kelly Bailey to Eurasia and 

Ben & Jessica Bock to Spain 

31 single women have 

served as missionaries 


MISSIONARIES 

and entering World War II, the Eastern District 

continued to advance the cause of global 

missions by giving $131,185 to missions (an 

equivalent of $2 million dollars today). World 

Missions has always been at the heart of the 

Assemblies of God. Reaching the lost, both at 

home and abroad, has been a driving force and 

a central purpose in who we are as a fellowship. 

“We’re Better Together” is nowhere better 

exemplified than in our cooperative effort in 

sending missionaries, compassionately ministering 

to lost people, and leading these lost to 

saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Missionary: 

Bernice F. Burgess 

(Wife of John H. Burgess) 

“My early life was lived 

in a strict adherence to 

the Roman Catholic faith 

as was that of my entire 

family. It was an unusual 

experience for me to 

visit the Pentecostal 

Church on Parrish Street, Wilkes Barre. At that 

time there was a great revival in progress. 

Having never seen anything of this sort, this 

was indeed a revelation to me. 

At the close of the second service I was 

invited to the altar. I was told I was a sinner 

and needed salvation. This upset me, for I 

had been very faithful to my Catholic Church. 

Romans 3:23 was quoted to me; the Holy Ghost 

then gripped my heart with conviction, which 

prompted me to call upon the Lord for salvation 

and I was gloriously saved. Ten days later, 

I was filled with the Holy Ghost. At that time 

God called me to India as a missionary. I went 

to Bible College and in 1927 sailed for India 

and upon arrival there, I was married to Rev. 

John H. Burgess. In 1927 Bethel Bible School 

(Punalur, India) was established.” 

2 sisters served together as missionaries 

to China (Bernice & Thelma 

Hildebrand, 1936-1957) 

Over the past 5 years, Network 

churches have contributed over 

$750,000 to District projects in 

India, Africa, and Israel 

In 2015 PennDel churches 

gave 6.7 million dollars to 

Assemblies of God World 

Missions 


Christian Education 

George Krebs 


Fulfilling the Great Commission? 

The leadership of the Eastern District, now the PennDel District, saw the need to disciple believers. As 

with any endeavor, if no one is appointed to the task, the task rarely gets done. The Eastern District 

established a position of Sunday School Representative and Youth Director; this position was held 

by Brother Edwin C. Schmid. In 1951, the position was changed from Sunday School Representative to 

Sunday School Director. Later in 1955, there was a separation between Sunday School and youth (Christ’s 

Ambassadors). Brother Schmid remained Sunday School Director until 1961. 

Because of his passion for Sunday school, Harold Crosby was elected as the Eastern District’s Sunday School/ 

Christian Education Director in 1961. The goals were to establish new Sunday schools, hold conventions, rallies 

and camps as well as encourage churches to train teachers. These were key precepts to the disciple-making 

strategy of the Christian Education (CE) Department. Under Brother Crosby’s leadership, Sunday school grew 

throughout the Eastern District. Harold Crosby received national recognition for his work in Sunday school 

growth and was fondly called “Mr. Sunday School” by those who knew him. 


Shortly after World War 2, in the small town of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, a young man took 

on a struggling church. There were just 21 in attendance, and the church was in dire 

financial straits. The goal of this pastor was to reach people. God gave him the secret 

formula…if adults won’t come to church, reach the children. Pastor Harold Crosby 

began reaching children through Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. 

It did not take long to grow a congregation through children. Vacation Bible School 

every August would last two full weeks; children filled the church, they filled the house 

next to the church and filled an industrial shop half way down the street. Over 500 

children would enroll for Vacation Bible School and every year 5-6 families would be 

added to the church in Tyrone. The Sunday school was also a contributing factor in 

reaching children and adults while making disciples. 

These boys and girls camps, as they 

were called, became a large part of the 

District ministry. They encompassed 

a whole week of morning assemblies, 

evening services and as much 

afternoon fun as a kid could have. 

Thousands of children in the Eastern 

District experienced the move of God 

during summer camp. Salvations, Holy 

Spirit Baptisms, and the call to ministry 

and missions were hallmarks of these 

camps for children. 

There was an equal thrust to disciple 

both adults and children. Sunday 

School campaigns encouraged 

churches to reach new levels in making 

disciples. Sunday School Caravans 

(teacher training events) were held 

throughout the district, and children’s 

camps were held each summer. In the 

early 80’s, the newly renamed PennDel 

District (formally the Eastern District) 

sold their two campgrounds, Living 

Waters and Cherry Tree, and purchased 

what is now the Bongiorno Conference 

Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

In many churches today Sunday 

School is a dying term and structure. 

While the values are the same, the 

form and methods have changed. The 

Sunday School model of an infinity 

group meeting is still valid, but it is 

fleshed out differently. Small groups 

meet throughout the week, not just 

on Sunday morning, while still sharing 

life and instructions for godly living. 

Children are often divided by school 

grade and/or gender and Vacation 

Bible schools may now take on the 

feel of sports or performing arts 

camps. Today the Christian Education 

department is still about equipping the 

saints to reach and disciple others. 

What do we see as the future of 

Christian Education? The focus will 

and should always be the great 

commission, “making disciples.” 

We see disciple-making taking on 

a more organic feel. We see more 

discipleship happening as people share 

life together. Mentoring relationships 

happen as people experience both 

small and large life events from dinner 

together to sharing the grief of a lost 

loved one. Doing ministry, missions 

trips with volunteer work teams, 

fellowship groups, and discipleship 

classes help people grow into fully 

devoted followers of Christ. 

In the area of children’s ministry, 

we are seeing more family type 

ministry with parents and children 

learning and growing together. This 

trend toward family ministry assists 

parents to disciple their children. In 

this model, parents lead their child to 

Christ, parents pray for their children 

to receive the baptism in the Holy 

Spirit, and parents become the main 

influencer in their children’s spiritual 

development. Children’s ministry takes 

on the role of reinforcing at church 

what the parents are doing at home. 

Jesus gave us the commission to 

proclaim the Gospel and make 

disciples 2000 years ago. Whether 

Sunday school, small group meetings, 

children’s ministry, volunteer ministry 

teams, or kids’ summer camp we 

are fulfilling the same goal… making 

disciples. 

“I was a 24 year old Sunday 

School teacher at Bethel 

Assembly in Pittsburgh’s northside 

neighborhood when Harold 

Crosby spoke at my church. The 

following year, as Sunday School 

Superintendent (every church 

had one back then), I along with 

6 teachers attended a “Sunday 

School Caravan” event led by Mr. 

Sunday School himself, Harold 

Crosby. I can testify first hand that 

Harold Crosby has been the most 

influential leader in the history of 

Christian Education in the PennDel 

Ministry Network. I have been 

privileged to follow his lead in 

encouraging churches to make 

disciples and reach children.” 

THOSE WHO HAVE LED THE 

WAY FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND 

SUNDAY SCHOOL: 

EDWIN SCHMID 

HAROLD CROSBY 

JOHN CASTELLANI 

KAREY SCHAFFER 

DENNIS SPROULL 

TOM REES 

GEORGE KREBS 

~ George Krebs 


University of Valley Forge 

Dr. Don Meyer 

PRESIDENT 

The Story of the 

From its earliest days, the faithfulness of God has permeated the story of the 

University of Valley Forge (UVF). Whether it was among the numerous Bible 

institutes that joined the emerging institution or what it took to become a college 

and now a university, God’s miraculous hand has been at work. As an Assemblies of God 

university our mission is clear: To prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in 

the church and in the world. 

UVF will always be indebted to Rev. J. Roswell Flower 

and his wife Alice Reynolds Flower (Mother Flower) who 

established and led a summer Bible school from 1932–1937 

in Green Lane, Pennsylvania. On that site, several Bible 

institutes joined to form Eastern Bible Institute (EBI) in 

1939 with Rev. Allan A. Swift as president. 

EBI began with 35 students to train missionaries, 

evangelists, pastors, Christian educators and lay people. As 

EBI grew in influence, it became Northeast Bible Institute 

(NBI) in 1967, and in 1975 a fourth year of study was added 

to form Northeast Bible College (NBC). 

In 1976, under the leadership of President Obie L. Harrup, 

Sr., NBC moved to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania to a former 

military hospital property. On those sacred grounds, Valley 

Forge General Hospital cared for over 200,000 patients 

from 1943–1973. NBC purchased the original property of 

approximately 84 acres for $1. Many identified it as “The 

Miracle of Valley Forge.” On January 1, 1977, NBC became 

Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC). 

During the early years at the Phoenixville campus, the 

leaders faced huge challenges, especially with the physical 

facilities, but God was always faithful. Under the leadership 

of Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft (1982–1984) and later President 

Wesley Smith (1984–1996), VFCC began to move forward. 

In 1997, Dr. Don Meyer became VFCC’s tenth president. In the 

years since then, God’s faithfulness has been evident again 

and again. During his first week on campus Don Storms (‘55) 

asked Meyer, “How big are your dreams for this school?” 

Unsure of what to say, he replied, “How large can they be? 

They can be as great as whatever God has in store.” Within 

a year, the Storms committed the funds for the first new 

building on campus, The Storms Research Center. 

Whether it was new buildings going up, old buildings 

coming down, or current buildings being remodeled, the 

campus has been transformed for the glory of God. With 

100 acres on the main campus today, the possibilities for 

ongoing enhancements are limitless. Just as the sacred 

grounds cared for bodies, today those same sacred 

grounds are preparing an army of leaders to care for souls. 

Even though the campus improvements have been 

remarkable, as Meyer often says, “It’s not about the 

buildings. It never has been, and it never will be. It is about 

the mission.” To support that mission, the curriculum 

has grown from seven undergraduate majors to more 

than 50 programs and eight master’s degrees. Recently, 

undergraduate and graduate online degrees have been 

launched. In the fall of 2005, a second location was 

opened at Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, Virginia. And 

though everyone is grateful for the enrollment of just 


University of Valley Forge 

under 1000 students, as an AG missionary once said, 

“We don’t measure the harvest by what is in the bin; we 

measure the harvest by what is in the field.” 

On September 16, 2014, another expression of the 

faithfulness of God took place when the college was 

renamed the University of Valley Forge. The oft repeated 

phrase, “new name, same mission,” reinforced the reality 

that the mission remained unchanged. 

UVF will always be grateful to the PennDel District of 

the AG. Without this district, UVF would not exist today. 

Through visionary leadership of the PennDel District 

(formerly the Eastern District), UVF was born. In the early 

days, the presbyters were the Board of Trustees. In 1984, 

when the school almost closed, Rev. Philip Bongiorno ’55 

and Rev. Sam DiTrolio ’57 stepped up in a Board meeting 

and urged the Board to keep it open. UVF will always be 

indebted to these men and countless heroes within our 

district who believed and still believe in what God was and 

is doing at UVF. 

In Flower Chapel, named after the university founders, 

hang 58 flags that represent places around the world 

where UVF alumni serve. The flags are symbols of the 

constant reminder of the legacy of its alumni, who as 

students were prepared with the message to serve and 

lead. May God continue to raise up leaders at UVF to 

change the world. 

Congratulations to the PennDel District and 

thank you for all you have done for UVF. 

To God be the glory! 

The greatest investment PennDel has ever made, however, 

is the way it consistently sends its precious students to 

UVF. Over 50 percent of UVF students today come from 

the PennDel District. 

Another core value of UVF is “We want to be good 

neighbors who do things for our community and with 

our community.” UVF demonstrates this through many 

community-focused campus events and studentled 

ministries, such as Christmas at Valley Forge and 

Community Service Day (sometimes called “The Ministry 

of Sweat”) — a day set aside for students, faculty and staff 

to serve the community of Phoenixville. 

UVF student-led ministries are continually expanding. Just 

this year alone 10 student missions teams will serve — from 

Italy to Mexico, and from Haiti to Nicaragua and beyond. 


Youth Ministries 

Doug Sayers 


PennDel Youth Ministries—A Concise Hist 

Youth Ministry in the Assemblies of God began as Christ’s 

Ambassadors (C.A.) in the 1920s. By the 1930s, the 

movement was spreading across the nation and arrived in 

the Eastern District. In 1934, the Eastern District appointed its first 

C.A. Chairman following a scathing report from Brother Duncan, 

chair of the Young People’s Committee, and a letter of direction 

from General Superintendent E.S. Williams. Brother Duncan’s 

report indicted the Eastern District for “being slow in recognizing 

and pressing forward a prosperous Young People’s movement,” 

and acknowledged, “we have not shown them the proper 

considerations.” J. Roswell Flower appointed John Jenkins as the 

first “C.A. Chairman.” 

Two camps began around the same time; the western section 

camp called “Living Waters,” and the eastern section camp 

“Maranatha.” At Living Waters, tents could be rented for $3.50/ 

week, and straw mattresses for an additional 75 cents. Meals 

were also available: breakfast cost 25 cents, dinner was 45 cents, 

and supper was 35 cents. Every day a mandatory sunrise prayer 

service was held at 6am, with services for different ages at 9am, 

10:30am, 3pm, and the C.A. service at 6:30pm. A final daily service 

for all campers was held at 7:45pm. 

In 1944, Speed The Light (STL) was born and adopted as the 

missions-giving arm for the Christ’s Ambassadors. Eastern District 

students began giving enthusiastically to missions through 

Speed the Light! Speed the Light would later give birth to two 

other giving initiatives: BGMC and Light for the Lost. The Eastern 

District C.A. President, Al Skymer, began holding youth rallies 

throughout the district. Church youth rallies soon grew into 

sectional youth rallies. 

Around this time the first recorded District Youth Camps began as 

“Youth Conference” at Maranatha Park. In 1947 the cost to attend 

Youth Camp was $19. The speaker for the week was Sister Alice 

Flower and included a campfire service, a camp-outing day, and a 

banquet. 

In 1949, the Eastern District created a full-time position for C.A. 

Secretary, combining it with the role of “Sunday School Secretary.” 

The presbytery appointed Edwin Schmid to fulfill this dual-office. 

In 1954, this position was divided into two separate full-time roles: 

Sunday School Secretary and C. A. Secretary. Edwin Schmid 

continued as Sunday School Secretary and Chester Jenkins 

became the C. A. department leader, serving for nine years until 

1963. Youth rallies continued to grow in popularity and gave 

TODAY, UNDER THE MORE THAN 25-YEAR LEADERSHIP OF DOUG 

SAYERS, PENNDEL YOUTH MINISTRIES IS FOCUSED ON WINNING, 

BUILDING, AND SENDING STUDENTS FOR THE GOSPEL: 

• More than 8,600 Assembly of God youth are in PennDel churches 

• Youth Convention is attended by more than 4,000 people 

• 3 Winter Retreats, 2 Youth Camps, Youth Advance, Bible Quiz 

Camp, and District Fine Arts Festival are held annually at 

Bongiorno Conference Center 

• Approximately $10,000,000 has been given to Speed the Light 

by PennDel youth! 

FINE ARTS: 

• Over 1,500 students participate 

annually in the PennDel Fine 

Arts Festival 

• There are 8 main divisions: Art, 

Communication, Dance, Drama, Exhibition, 

Instrumental, Vocal, and Writing 

• Participants may enter any of the 66 

categories offered 

1920s 

National Christ’s 

Ambassador’s (C.A.’s) 

begins 

1930s 

Living Waters & 

Maranatha Camps 

begin 

1934 

Christ’s Ambassadors 

is formed in the 

Eastern District. 

1944 

Speed the 

Light begins 

1956 

First Youth 

Convention, 

Zembo Shrine 

Center, 

Harrisburg, PA 


1937 

Warren Anthony, 

C. A. Secretary 

1936 

Marie Wilson, C. A. 

Secretary 

1934 

John Jenkins, first C. A. 

Chairman 

1947-1948 

George 

Gould, C. A. 

President 

1944 

Al Skymer, C.A. 

President 

1949-1954 

Edwin Schmid, 

C.A. Secretary 

1955-1963 

Chester Jenkins, 

C.A. Secretary

C.A. Convention, Zembo Shrine Center, Hbg., 1960s Youth Convention, Giant Center, Hershey, 2016 

ory 

birth to the first Eastern District Youth Convention in 1956. The 

convention was held in Harrisburg, and 3,000 people attended. 

In 1962, Bible Quiz was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and soon 

made its way to the PennDel District. The Fine Arts Festival began 

as “Teen Talent” in the following year, designed as a discipleship 

tool designed to “help students discover, develop, and deploy 

their ministry gifts.” The first PennDel D-CAP (District Christ’s 

Ambassadors President) was Robert Clayton, selected in 1964. 

Youth Alive launched nationally at the General Council of 1979, 

and has always focused on sharing the Gospel with every 

student in every school. In the 1980s, Youth Alive focused largely 

on student-led Christian clubs meeting on secondary school 

campuses, including campuses in Pennsylvania and Delaware. 

Bernie Elliott became the PennDel District Bible Quiz coordinator 

in 1985. In 1989, Allison Park AG was the first PennDel Bible 

Quiz team to go to nationals. Doug Sayers was selected as the 

first District Youth Director (DYD) for PennDel in 1991. Youth 

Convention grew and migrated to the David L. Lawrence 

Convention Center in Pittsburgh, to the Farm Show Arena in 

Harrisburg, then to the Hershey Arena, and finally the Giant 

Center, in Hershey. PennDel won its first national Bible Quiz 

championship in 1995 (Allison Park). 

In the 1990s, Youth Alive began to develop and train students 

as “Campus Missionaries.” In 1998, U.S. Missions approved the 

first nationally appointed Youth Alive Missionaries. The Seven 

Project came into national development at this time, and in 2003, 

PennDel took on its first nationally appointed US Missionary for 

Youth Alive—Paul Kirschbaum. Under Paul’s leadership, The Seven 

Project held more assemblies and night events in PennDel during 

the launch year than any other district in the nation. 

In 2006, Jason Lamer became the second nationally appointed 

US Missionary to PennDel. He continued strong leadership of 

The Seven Project, and began strong development of Campus 

Missionaries, and held the first Campus Club training in the 

PennDel District. Lee Rogers became the third US Missionary 

for Youth Alive 2011. Continuing The Seven Project, Campus 

Missionaries, and Campus Clubs, Lee expanded the Youth Alive 

focus to leadership and resource development—launching the 

Exponential Leadership Cohort, www.reachtheschool.com, 

compiling a Campus Club training workbook, and writing two 

books for Campus Missionaries. 

BIBLE QUIZ: 

• Since 1989, PennDel has had the 

highest number of quiz teams in 

the nation. 

• Allison Park A/G was the first PennDel 

team to go to nationals in 1989, and the 

only PennDel team to win nationals (1995). 

• We currently have 112 quiz teams (the next 

closest district has 35). 

YOUTH ALIVE: 

• Over 1600 Campus Missionaries are currently 

active in PennDel schools 

• PennDel Youth Alive has a measurable presence of Campus 

Missionaries and Clubs on over 250 public school campuses. 

• 64,000+ students in PennDel have seen the Seven Project 

school assembly, and over 6,000 students have responded to 

altar calls at Seven Project night events. 

• Youth Alive has conducted over 60 Campus Missionary and 

Club trainings throughout PennDel. 

1962 

Bible Quiz begins 

1963 

Fine Arts Festival 

(Teen Talent) begins 

1979 

Youth Alive 

begins 

1995 

First PennDel 

National BQ 

Championship 

Team 

2003 

First 

PennDel 

Youth Alive 

Missionary 

2013 

Buildcast 

begins 

1964-1968 

Robert 

Clayton, 

D-Cap 

1969-1975 

Paul 

Wislocky, 

D-Cap 

1976-1982 

John 

Butrin, 

D-Cap 

1984-1990 

Timothy 

Satryan, 

D-Cap 

1991- Present 

Doug Sayers DYD 

1983 

Rex Bornman, D-Cap 


Women of Purpose 

Ruth Puleo 


WMC Retreat, Harrisburg, 1967 

WE’VE COME A 

WE BEGAN WITH A CALL… 

Even before the General Council of the Assemblies of God was formed 

in 1914, there were women called of God to reach their communities for 

Christ. One such woman was Mrs. Anne Beisel, a member of the Free 

Methodist church of Allentown, who responded to the presence of God 

during her personal prayer times and began to speak in a language 

she had never learned. In 1909, the Beisel family purchased a home 

in Allentown and began holding prayer meetings. In 1911, God spoke 

to ‘Annie’ during prayer that she was to use her home to hold church 

services, to serve meals to those in need and to house missionaries and 

evangelists passing through. Mrs. Addie Marsteller, a neighbor, sought 

spiritual advice from Annie and was soon filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Together, these two power-packed women, Anne and Addie, labored 

side by side as the first spiritual leaders of the Emmanuel Home Mission 

(would eventually become Emmanuel AG in Allentown). In 1915, Anne 

became a widow living by faith without income from her husband 

and no offerings were received during the services. Yet in spite of the 

lack of funds, thousands of meals were served and many people were 

housed in this humble home. As attendance increased steadily, so did 

their needs for finances, but God always provided above and beyond 

what they had asked for. Helping those in need, ministering to the lost, 

praying for Spirit baptism and healing was their daily assignment. Soon 

they were giving to missions regularly, starting Sunday School programs 

for children throughout the area, and expanding ministries in other 

locations. Anne and Addie were truly pioneers of the faith that blazed a 

trail for women for generations to come. 

BY 1935, THE GENERAL 

COUNCIL OF THE 

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 

WAS ORDAINING WOMEN 

AS PASTORS SINCE OVER 

1,000 WOMEN WERE 

ALREADY SERVING AS 

PASTORS, EVANGELISTS, 

MISSIONARIES AND 

PRESIDENTS OF BIBLE 

SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT 

OUR NATION. 


Women of Purpose Convention, Hershey, 2015 

LONG WAY BABY! 

WE FACED GREAT CHALLENGE… 

Women were being ordained by the General Council 

as missionaries and evangelists - ministering across 

the United States and in many countries of the world. 

However, in 1917, during the first Eastern District Council, 

they voted that ‘it was unscriptural for a woman to be 

the head of a Bible school or be ordained as a pastor.’ 

That did not discourage the women who knew they were 

called of God. They simply “served God without a title” 

and “began their own ministries when there were no open 

doors in the established churches. Then, in 1932, (the 16 th 

District Council) a resolution was approved to appoint a 

committee of 3-5 people to start a summer Bible school 

(the beginning of EBI, now UVF). Alice Flower, wife of 

Supt. J. Roswell Flower, was on that committee ~ and we 

know she led the Bible school! (She must not have gotten 

the memo about women not being in leadership over 

men). By 1935, the General Council of the Assemblies of 

God was ordaining women as pastors since over 1,000 

women were already serving as pastors, evangelists, 

missionaries and presidents of Bible schools throughout 

our nation. 

WE FOUND A CAUSE… 

In 1944, a burden for our missionaries had gripped the 

hearts of the church women in our district. There was 

a great need for linens, household supplies, food and 

bandages. Our missionaries were making tremendous 

sacrifice to travel to a foreign land without much financial 

support or household provisions. Elsie Eich had heard 

reports that women from other districts had formed the 

Women’s Missionary Council to support their missionaries 

and she proposed that this be adopted in the Eastern 

District. Voices spoke strongly against it - referring to 

this formation as the “Lazy Aides Society!” Without 

their support, Elsie became the first to lead the women 

of the district, proving that this organization would be 

a blessing both to our missionaries, local churches and 

district camps. All ages were included with this early 

formation of a women’s ministry, including programs 

for school age girls to mentor them in the faith. By 1951, 

the formation of the Women’s Missionary Council came 

to the Eastern District Council floor once again. As a 

debate ensued as to why this “society” was necessary, 

George and Helga Hemminger (parents of Rev. Laverne 

Weber), district missionaries that were home on furlough, 

expressed their appreciation for the barrels of quilts, 

linens, clothes, canned goods, candy and small appliances 

that missionaries had received. Their personal testimony 

swayed the vote and the Women’s Missionary Council 

became official in the Eastern District. 

WE HELD TO A CONVICTION… 

We knew that if God called us, He would equip us, provide 

for us and direct our steps. He did just that! Women were 

being raised up all over the district to start churches, to 

raise funds for missions, to build up women in their faith 

and to train young women for the work of the ministry. 

In 1951, the first Pentecostal church service in Shanksville, 

Pennsylvania was held in a “pool room” with evangelists 


PENNDEL DISTRICT WOMEN’S 

MINISTRY LEADERS 

1951-1956 MRS. ADOLFUS T SMITH 

1956-1957 MRS. ALFRED BUCKLEY 

1957-1964 MRS. HELEN JENKINS 

1964-1978 MRS. HAZEL WILLIAMS 

1978-1980 MRS. HEATHER OWEN 

1980-1996 MRS. JAYNE GROVE 

1996-1998 REV. LILLIAN SPARKS 

Hazel Williams Heather Owen Jayne Grove Lillian Sparks 

1998- REV. RUTH PULEO 

Mary Abate and Roberta White. Elizabeth Armstrong 

(later to become Elizabeth Crosby, wife of Harold Crosby) 

joined Margaret Judy in pastoring the group at Shanksville. 

Elizabeth Crosby shared stories of 6 single women 

pastoring their own church in their section alone! She went 

on to say, with a twinkle in her eye and a wink, “people 

often referred to us as ‘Brother William’s haram’ and our 

District Superintendent didn’t mind that at all!” Elizabeth 

said, “as Bible college graduates, women found very few 

open doors for ministry. So, where there wasn’t a ministry, 

they made one. Where there weren’t opportunities, they 

made them happen.” Their firm conviction was to obey 

Christ and He would make a way for them. 

WE RESPONDED WITH COMPASSION… 

The very first Women’s Ministries retreat was held on 

September 1967 at the Schraff Motor Inn of Harrisburg 

with speaker Ann Alf. From reports of women in our 

district that were in attendance, these early meetings were 

infused by the power of God and the anointed speakers 

challenged them to greater faith, confidence in their 

call and instilled a compassion for the needs of others. 

They began with The March of Dimes to raise money for 

US Missions to help plant new churches and instituted a 

Linen Parade to provide household items for Missionaries. 

As more needs were presented, a greater response was 

given. Ladies responded to a call for compassion, because 

that is who we are! Women collected their loose change 

for the Baby Bootie Club funding our national children’s 

orphanage. We adopted missionary families - remembering 

their birthdays and sending gifts for the holidays. We 

collected used postage stamps for the Library Fund to 

purchase books for missions and Bible schools. Every year 

since the start of Women’s Ministries, there have been 

mission’s projects. There has always been an overwhelming 

response to address the needs presented! In the last 100 

years, it is estimated that the women of our district have 

given (either by cash donations or donated items) over 

$1 million to projects, missions, as well as district and 

local ministries. Just in the last ten years, the response to 

raising the monies for our project offerings has increased 

tremendously. The combined giving from churches, 

ministries and private donations for the Redemption Home 

reached over $200,000. The generosity towards the Single 

Moms Day Out events in three locations was estimated 

at $85,000. Only heaven will reveal the magnitude of 

sacrifice and generosity of today’s Women of Purpose. 

WE HAVE A GREAT COMMISION… 

We’ve come a long way, Baby…since our early beginnings. 

God has increased our influence from 52 women attending 

the first retreat in 1962 to our conference last year at 

Hershey of almost 3,400. But our prayer is still the same… 

that the Holy Spirit would be present at every Women of 

Purpose gathering. We want God to be there in power to 

change lives! Our commission is ever before us: to connect 

women of all ages, backgrounds and church affiliations, to 

empower women to live for God and to respond to the call 

of God to serve, to inspire sacrificial giving to reach the 

lost at home and abroad. We are challenged to encourage 

women called to full time ministry – believing with them 

for open doors where they can serve. The cause that 

inspired our foundation is still burning deep in our hearts – 

to see world missions see exponential growth and results. 

Our 2016 project offering for the Baneasa Community 

Center in Romania is to raise $150,000 for the building 

and $150,000 for the furnishings! We can do it as we work 

together! I also believe that God is clearly directing us how 

to reach the next generation, setting the stage for God 

to call them, give them a cause to fight for, burn in them 

a passion and fulfill the great commission laid out before 

them! 


Girls Ministries 

Sharon Poole 


MISSIONETTES — GIRLS MINISTRIES 

In 1925, Etta Calhoun, a spirit-filled woman from Houston, Texas, 

organized a group of women for intercessory prayer. The group 

became the first Women’s Missionary Council (later became 

Women’s Ministries). Early in the 1950s, the women began to see 

a need for a program to teach missions to young women and to 

prepare them for involvement in Women’s Ministries. The national 

Women’s Ministries Department developed the Missionettes program 

in response to this need. It was their desire to establish a systematic 

plan for the older women to train the younger women (Titus 2:3,4). 

The program remained as an auxiliary of WM’s until 2005 when they 

became their own National and District Department. 

The first Missionettes club was officially chartered in January 1956. In 

our own District, Missionettes Clubs began in a number of churches 

including Jeannette Assembly of God. 

Angie Hafner Sorbo became the first District Auxiliary Director 

in 1980, under the leadership of Jayne Grove, District Women’s 

Ministries Director. Under Angie’s leadership many District events were 

developed including the most enduring, the Star’s Powette. Her most 

memorable highlight during her 18 years as Director were the many 

girls whose lives where changed while spending time at the altars at 

Missionettes events. 

Angie Hafner Sorbo 

Debby Seler 

In 1999, Debby Seler became the District Director, where she remained 

until 2000 when she moved to Springfield, MO to lead the National 

Missionettes Department. Susan Lanza was appointed to be the District 

Director and remained until 2005. It was during her leadership that 

the program became it’s own department. In July 2005, Sharon Poole 

became the District Director. Soon after, the Missionettes became 

Girls Ministries. Along with the name change came cultural and image 

updates. But the ultimate purpose of winning girls to Jesus Christ and 

teaching them to live victoriously has never changed. 

Susan Lanza 

Sharon Poole 

Through it’s inception, Girls Ministries (Missionettes) has been 

foundational in developing girls and young women in the Word of God 

and in relational training. Many of the female ministers from PennDel 

including missionaries, evangelists and pastors have been impacted by 

this program. It is a bright and growing future for Girls Ministries! 


Royal Rangers 

Greg Scott 


The Legacy of Royal Rangers 

By the 1950’s it became apparent to the Assemblies 

of God leaders that young people were leaving 

the church, and that many who stayed were 

inadequately prepared to be strong followers of Jesus 

Christ. In the summer of 1960, the Men’s Fellowship 

Department launched a thorough study of various boys’ 

programs to decide whether one of them could be 

adapted for use in the Assemblies of God. In the end, the 

decision of the team was that none of them accomplished 

the goals defined by the team, and it was decided a new 

ministry needed to be developed. The number one priority 

and objective was to get men involved in the soul-winning 

and discipling of boys. 

“A new age is upon us! It is an age of jet travel, space 

consciousness, pleasure madness, and moral indifference. 

Our boys are growing up in this overpowering 

environment. They will be the victims of it unless our 

church men do something to guide the energies and 

thoughts of the boys into right spiritual channels. Action 

must be taken quickly.” It was with this urgent call that the 

Assemblies of God and Johnnie Barnes introduced Royal 

Rangers, a new discipleship program for boys, to readers 

in the Pentecostal Evangel in 1962. Royal Rangers grew 

quickly, reaching across denominational, national, and 

ethnic divides, and by 2015 over 3 million boys across the 

world have been shaped through this program designed 

to turn boys into godly, responsible men. Today, Royal 

Rangers is in 92 different countries around the world and is 

approved for use by over 50 different denominations. 

Royal Rangers was introduced to the Eastern District (now 

PennDel) around 1965 by our first District Commander, 

Gordon Buckley, who served from 1966 to 1971. He saw the 

vision of the program and how it could meet the needs 

of the boys in our district. He conducted our first District 

Powwow in 1968. Our Powwows have been instrumental 

in saving thousands of boys. Following him was Thurman 

“Butch” Keifer, who served from 1972 to 1980. He took our 

district to their first National Camporama in 1974 at the 

Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. These two men 

traveled extensively throughout our district promoting 

the Royal Ranger program. In 1981, Joseph Finan took 

over the leadership of our department and served until 

2005. Joe was instrumental in developing staff leaders 

within the 12 sections of our district and creating a strong 

district leadership team. Following his 25 years of service, 

Greg Scott assumed the duties of District Director and 

has served in the position from 2006 to present. He has 

been instrumental in developing a strong Leadership 

Organization Team and has placed significant emphasis 

on the development of our Junior Leader Development 

Academy. He also realized that Royal Rangers could not 

be just a camping program anymore and that it needed 

to evolve in the areas of sports, trades, arts, technology 

and high adventure in order to meet the needs of our ever 


changing boys. To best do this, it became evident that the Royal Rangers 

needed a camp of their own that they could develop. In 1999, Cmdr. Scott 

was one of the founding leaders of the PennDel Royal Ranger Camp 

located in Honey Grove, PA. A beautiful 137 acre property located along 

the Tuscarora Creek near Port Royal, PA. The camp has been extremely 

instrumental in drawing boys into the program where they can experience 

salvation, baptism in water, foot washing services, leadership training, 

fellowship, fun, and much more. 

Our objectives haven’t changed since the founding of the program in 

our district. They are still geared toward evangelizing, equipping, and 

empowering young boys and men to become Christlike servant leaders. 

Many of our methods have changed as our boys have and the culture 

in which they grow has also changed. However, we have stayed intact 

through a strong leadership team that works in one accord. We truly 

believe that the future of Royal Rangers is brighter than our past and 

that God did not call us to be 

part of a mediocre ministry. We 

have seen over 405 churches 

charter Royal Rangers in our 

district over the past 54 years. 

Although our past has been 

memorable and remarkable, 

we cannot move forward by 

spending time looking back. 

Our #1 objective is to increase 

our charters by 10 percent 

over the next year, facilitate 

Gordon Buckley Joseph Finan 

a 50 percent increase in 

communication, and help at 

least 25 percent of our boys 

to tell someone about the 

Gospel. Our growth will come 

to fruition by putting together 

an effective marketing strategy, 

effectively communicating, 

strengthening our reputation, 

and promoting the recognition 

of our brand. More significantly, 

the growth will come from the 

boys and young men we are 

training up to become leaders 

“When we got back to our church (from 

a District Powwow) and were unloading 

the boys’ gear, I had a chance to share 

the good news with the grandmother 

and aunt. When I told them that I asked 

the boys, “If you were to die today, 

where would you go?” and that both 

boys told me “Heaven,” the grandmother 

and aunt broke down in tears and just 

hugged me for over a minute. They were 

so happy that God had answered their 

prayers. They had been praying for these 

boys for years. The grandmother said, 

“You don’t know how happy I am.” 

and mentors of others. 

If this was the only thing to ever happen 

The legacy of Royal 

Rangers – its proven 

effectiveness in mentoring 

boys to become responsible, 

committed Christian men – is 

demonstrated in its history and 

in the lives of its over 3 million 

participants worldwide. It will 

not stop; it cannot stop. As long 

as there are boys with needs, 

there will always be the need 

for Royal Rangers. 

out of Rangers, then this would be worth 

it. The only exposure to Jesus in these 

boys’ lives came through the Royal 

Rangers. I feel very blessed to have been 

a part of the Royal Rangers for the last 6 

years as the Senior Commander. This for 

me was a God moment.” 

ROB HOSS 

Outpost 83 

Bethel Assembly of God, Carlisle, PA 

HonorBound 

Tom Rees 


Men’s Ministries 

The District “Men’s Fellowship” (now 

Men’s Ministries) began at the 37th 

District Council under the leadership 

of Russell Williams. Superintendent 

Williams referred to it as the “sleeping 

giant.” Through the years we have 

seen men’s retreats, mission trips, and 

the Light for the Lost steak wagon. 

Today, HonorBound Men’s Ministries 

has grown to include an annual Band 

of Brother’s Men’s Conference, held 

in cooperation with the Potomac 

District, that had over 1,400 men each 

fall. Light for the Lost giving helps our 

Teen Challenge Centers and PennDel 

Missionaries globally with men giving 

$77,993.54. In our local churches, 

one of the greatest continuing 

benefits of working together has 

been the mentoring ministry to boys, 

Royal Rangers. A new generation of 

men’s ministries has been aligned 

with strategic partnerships with 

AdventureMen (Greg Nass), Circle of 

Swords (Wayde Wilson) and ManTour 

Ministries (Jamie Holden). 


Highway Tabernacle, Philadelphia, PA 

Pearce House, New Castle, PA 

Gospel Wagon, Highway Tabernacle Original Church Bethel Assembly, Calvary Assembly, Waynesboro, PA Lancaster 1930 Radio Broadcast 

Chambersburg, PA 

For almost 100 years churches have been established under the banner of being “Pentecostal” or “Full Gospel.” 

Many started out as independent churches. Others started out in the mainline denominations, but had to find a new 

fellowship that embraced the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Here are 13 churches that have or are reaching the centennial 

mark. We have included a brief description of their origins and when they connected with the Assemblies of God. A 

fuller expression of their story can be found at www.ag100stories.org. 

HIGHWAY TABERNACLE, 

1894 PHILADELPHIA, PA 

Highway Mission Tabernacle, once known 

as Union Highway Mission of Philadelphia, 

was founded in November 1894, by Rev. 

Frederick Reel, a member of the original 

group and also the first pastor. They 

started as a prayer group, conducting 

gospel outdoor services (attracting some 

35,000 people with their “gospel car”) and 

then opened a Gospel Hall in North Central 

Philadelphia with seventy-seven charter 

members. The church was incorporated 

in May 1899. The first revival held was 

Thanksgiving Day week in 1897. Mark & 

Debbie Boucher now serve as lead pastors. 

BETHEL ASSEMBLY, 

1902 CHAMBERSBURG, PA 

Bethel Pentecostal Church of the 

Assemblies of God was founded in 

1902 by several Christian people under 

the leadership of Rev. D. M. Hench who 

became the first pastor. The first revival 

was held in 1902. The work started with 

prayer meetings, house-to-house visitation, 

jail services, and street meetings. Garry & 

Kelly Kipe presently serve as lead pastors. 

NEW HOPE (CALVARY 

1906 ASSEMBLY), CLAIRTON, PA 

Mission Hall was the original name of New 

Hope Assembly of God Church, Clairton, 

PA, founded in 1906. It was chartered 

in 1924 with twenty-four members. Rev. 

Whiteside and Rev. Frank Casley began 

the work along with many other works in 

Vandergriff, Pittsburgh, Braddock, Turtle 

Creek, Pitcairn, Glassport, Horning, and 

Jeanette. The church affiliated with the 

General Council in 1948, changing its name 

to Calvary Assembly. Sharon Lopez now 

serves as pastor. 

CALVARY ASSEMBLY, 

1906 WAYNESBORO, PA 

Calvary Assembly of God, Waynesboro, was 

founded in 1906 as a Christian Missionary 

Alliance church. Rev. Perry, pastor, invited 

Sam and Ezra Patterson (evangelists) for a 

tent meeting. They brought the Pentecostal 

message. In 1908, Rev. D. H. McDowell was 

the pastor and encouraged the Pentecostal 

experience. There were thirteen members 

at that time. From 1908 to 1910, the Biblical 

evidence of speaking in other tongues was 

revealed and the Holy Ghost poured out 

upon the people. In July 1930, the church 

became affiliated with the Eastern District 

Council. Dwan & April Newsome are the 

lead pastors. 

FIRST ASSEMBLY, 

1908 NEW CASTLE, PA 

In 1908, a number of Christians in New 

Castle heard about the outpouring of the 

Holy Spirit at the Azuza Street Mission in 

Los Angeles, California. This small group 

of believers began to hold prayer meetings 

in various homes. As a result, one of the 

most remarkable outpourings of the Holy 

Spirit occurred. There were about a dozen 

individuals in this group with many miracles 

of healing reported. The group held their 

first tent meeting in 1916, and purchased 

their own property in 1919 making plans to 

build. Chad & Michelle Stoecker are the lead 

pastors at New Castle First. 

ABUNDANT LIFE, 

1911 BRADFORD, PA 

In 1911, the Bradford Assembly of God, then 

known as the Pentecostal Assembly, was 

brought into being by Rev. E. Samuelson. 

He opened his home for church meetings. 

They later moved to a store front at which 

time Rev. Earnest Williams held evangelistic 

meetings and later became pastor. It is 

believed that Pentecost first came to 

Pennsylvania in Bradford shortly after the 

Azusa street revival through Emil Samuelson, 

via his work on the Buffalo-Rochester and 

Pittsburgh Railroad. Abundant Life is now 

pastored by Phil & Penny Palutro. 


PennDel Centennial Churches 

By Donald J. Immel 

Original Church Jeannette AG, 

Jeannette, PA 

Thomas Twiss 1912, Hamlin, PA 

Gravity Church, Hamlin, PA 

John Coxe, Founder of First 

Assembly, Wilmington, DE 

EMMANUEL ASSEMBLY 

1912 OF GOD, ALLENTOWN, PA 

Emmanuel Assembly of God had its 

inception in prayer services held in the home 

of Mrs. Annie Stauffer Beisel as early as 1912. 

Among the very first in the Lehigh Valley to 

pray for the sick and encourage believers to 

tarry for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, many 

hungry hearts were attracted through these 

ministries during the years. From 1911 to 1954 

the church met in the Beisel home! In 1954 

Emmanuel Home Mission was incorporated 

and affiliated with the Eastern District of the 

Assemblies of God. Jason & Wendy Gornicz 

have recently become the lead pastors of 

Emmanuel AG. 


1914 LANCASTER, PA 

A small company of people led by Reuben 

L. Buchwalter founded the First Pentecostal 

Church of Lancaster, PA in the fall of 1914, in 

a little hall over the Southern Market House. 

The group continually grew until 1922 when 

the church was chartered and incorporated 

as the First Pentecostal Church of 

Lancaster. Hymn writer Ira F. Stamphil, 

author of Mansion Over The Hilltop, was 

the pastor in 1966. Kris & Darlene Newman 

have served as lead pastors at First AG in 

Lancaster for nearly two decades. 

GREEN RIDGE ASSEMBLY, 

1914 SCRANTON, PA 

The Pentecostal Assembly of God Church of 

Scranton, PA had its inception in the home 

of Jeremiah Swingle of Dunmore. The 

church was incorporated in 1914 and became 

affiliated with the newly formed Assembly of 

God organized in 1916. Rev. David McDowell 

became the first pastor and served until 

he was called to be the Assistant General 

Superintendent of the Assemblies of God 

in 1923. David & Laura Twiss are the lead 

pastors of Green Ridge AG. 

JEANNETTE ASSEMBLY 

1914 OF GOD, JEANNETTE, PA 

Jeannette Assembly of God was founded 

in 1914 when Reverend Benjamin E. Mahan 

came to Jeannette and began holding 

“street meetings” in the downtown 

business district of the city. Converts from 

this ministry resulted in the establishing of 

this church. The church was incorporated 

in 1919 as the Pentecostal Church of 

Jeannette and became affiliated with the 

General Council of the Assemblies of God 

in 1923. Thomas & Debra Kroll are presently 

pastors at Jeannette AG. 

HAMLIN ASSEMBLY OF 

1914 GOD, HAMLIN, PA 

The First Pentecostal Church at Hamlin 

was begun in 1914, through cottage prayer 

meetings. Emery Woodruff and Zacharias 

Swingle felt a need for more of God and the 

fullness of the Holy Spirit. They had heard 

of the Pentecostal experience with the 

evidence of speaking in other tongues. A 

church was built in Gravity, PA, and meetings 

were held in a hall in Hamlin. The Assembly 

moved to its present location in 1946. Ken & 

Melanie Claflin are lead pastors in Hamlin. 


1916 WILKES-BARRE, PA 

First Pentecostal Assembly of God was 

founded in 1916 in the home of Will 

Matthews of Ashley, PA. The services were 

going well and were being attended by so 

many that they decided to buy property 

for a church building. The second pastor of 

the church, Brother Byron Jones, had been 

saved at the age of 38 after being instantly 

healed of tuberculosis, and shortly 

afterwards began pastoring, bringing the 

church into the Assemblies of God in 1932. 

Ron & Colleen Swanson are lead pastors of 

First AG in Wilkes-Barre. 


1916 WILMINGTON, DE 

In 1916, a small group of believers had 

received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 

and wanted to start a Pentecostal church 

in Wilmington. In 1918, they contacted 

John Coxe, the Superintendent (then 

called “Chairman”) of the Eastern District. 

Brother Coxe had pastored the Wilmington 

Christian & Missionary Alliance church from 

1911-1914. He had received the Baptism 

of the Holy Spirit which dramatically 

changed his life and ministry. After serving 

just one year as Superintendent, Brother 

Coxe pursued other ministry endeavors 

including evangelistic work and planting 

the church in Wilmington, Delaware, “WFA” 

is now led by pastor Eric & Tiffany Spanier. 

PECKVILLE AG 

1916 BLAKELY, PA 

Terry and Rebecca Drost are lead pastors at 

Peckville AG. 


Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 


Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

Find us online: penndel.org 

Follow us on Facebook: PennDel Ministry Network 

Follow us on Twitter: #penndelag 

STILL CARRYING THE VISION 

In 1956, my late wife and I planted a church in the Bellefonte area at the request of 

the Sectional Presbytery; we were given a 3 acre plot of land in Milesburg. Within 

6 months we did all the site work and had plans to put up a new building. The 

State approved our building plans and we submitted the plans to the builder. He 

gave us an estimated cost of the building of $21,000.00. We made an application to 

all the banks in the area and were turned down because of our lack of history. The 

only hope we had was a benefactor who turned out to be the contractor himself. He 

was a godsend! In 1957, with a congregation of approximately 125, we moved into 

our new building. 

When I became the District Superintendent, the Lord laid on my heart to create 

a fund that would help new church plants to secure finances for their building 

projects. After discussion with the Presbytery, it was decided that we should move 

forward in creating the PennDel Loan Fund which is now HIS Fund. Since 1981, 

to the present day, we have financed hundreds of churches with 

mortgages, and churches have faithfully met their payments. The 

Fund’s motto is “An Investment That Works” for the church of our 

Lord and our investors. To God be the glory! 

BROTHER BONGIORNO 

Superintendent Emeritus 

HIS FUND NOW 

OFFERS SECURITIES 

IN 25 STATES 

NM 

current interest rates 

($500.00 Minimum Investment) 

5 year Term Note 4.00 % 


2½ year Term Note 3.00 % 


6 month Term Note 2.50 % 

*Demand Note 2.25 % 

KS 

TX 

MO 

AR 

LA 

IL 

MS 

MI 

KY 

TN 

AL 

GA 

WV 

SC 

FL 

PA 

VA 

NC 

NY 

MA 

CT 

NJ 

MD 

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HERITAGE INVESTMENT 

SERVICES FUND 

An investment that works 

www.HISFUND.com 866-219-0820 (toll free) 717-796-9784 

Minimum deposit to open a Note is $500.00. The initial interest rate on all Notes will depend on effective interest rates at the time of purchase. Term Notes pay interest at a 

rate fixed at the time of issuance. Once fixed, the interest rate on a Term Note will not be changed until the Note matures. At least thirty (30) days prior to any decrease in 

the interest rate on a Demand Note, HIS Fund will notify the holder of such change. *Demand Notes are not available in South Carolina. HIS Fund interest rates are subject 

to change without notice. For more information or additional forms, visit our website at www.hisfund.com. 

This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities issued by HIS Fund. The offering is made only by the prospectus. The unsecured 

securities of HIS Fund are not offered or sold in any jurisdiction where not permitted. The Notes are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of a bank and are 

not insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation, any state bank insurance fund, the securities investor protection corporation or any other governmental agency. 

HIS FUND 

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