Church History

West Side Assembly
later
Riverside Assembly of God Christian Center

Our Church had its beginning back in March of 1950, under the direction of Rev. Oda and Pauline Jones. At that time, services were held in the old Rockford Gospel Tabernacle, on the corner of Park and Rockton Avenue. The church had an option on the building to buy the building, but was unable to raise the amount of money needed within the time limit. It became necessary to move when the building was sold for business purposes. On August 1, 1950, the church moved to 3410 West State Street, and rented the old "Light House Chapel" for one and one half years.

On May 8, 1951, the church was officially recognized with the Assemblies of God, and on March 9, 1952, it was set in order.

Rev. Oda & Pauline Jones

West Side Assemblies

The Sunday School and church grew, and in January of 1952, the property at 105 Johnston Avenue was purchased. The men of the congregation, under the supervision of an architect, remodeled the house and built a room on the back.

The peak attendance in Sunday School at the Johnston Avenue address was reached on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953, when 230 were in attendance. The average for that year was 144. Needless to say, this building was soon too small.

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