Published: February 29, 2008 12:37 pm      

Assembly of God plans homecoming March 9

Ada — Ada's First Assembly of God Church, 300 E. 14th, plans a homecoming Sunday, March 9. The event celebrates the church's 74th anniversary and the grand reopening of its building.

“The morning service will be a time of celebration and re-dedication of the temple,” said Jimmy Keith, pastor.

After years of worshiping in a gym, church members voted in April 2007 to move back into its building and use the sanctuary again for worship services. “The project was named 'Bridging the past, building the future,’” said Keith.

Ada's First Assembly of God Church held its first services in 1934. In 1953, the church constructed a building at its current location. The former pastor moved the congregation in 1993 into the gymnasium due to growth. Church membership is now 100.

“April 1, 2007, the congregation voted to reuse facilities for its intended purpose,” Keith said. Volunteers began work on the building in mid-April. Although many aspects of the building have been updated, the sanctuary's original cathedral ceiling and wooden pews are reminders of the building's gracious past.

According to Keith, 90 percent of the work was done by members and volunteers.

“I appreciate all their time,” said Keith. “I worked with so many nice people.”

“I want to personally say thank you to the businesses in Ada that allowed us to do what needed to be done and made it possible for us to be in our building,” Keith said.

Rededication service begins at 10 a.m. followed by a fellowship luncheon at noon. At 2 p.m. the congregation and guests will share an afternoon filled with memories as they celebrate the church's history.

Guest speakers include Oklahoma Assembly of God District Missions Director Lindell Warren, Assembly of God South Central District Coordinator for U.S. Mission America Placement Services Gary Gunsolus and former Senior Pastor Lonnie Rutherford.