How about a story that begins with revival meetings? Lakeside Pentecostal Church has roots that stretch back to the early 20th-century Pentecostal movement. These roots trace back to the Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God was formed in 1914. It was created by ministers seeking to work together. They wanted to send missionaries. They also wanted to provide fellowship.
To truly grasp Lakeside Pentecostal Church’s heritage, we look back to the Pentecostal Revival. It began in the early 1900s. Protestants sought to recapture the vibrant faith described in the New Testament. Many joined evangelical churches. They sought spiritual gifts through prayer and sacrifice.
The Azusa Street revival from 1906 to 1909 became a focal point. It occurred at the Apostolic Faith Mission in Los Angeles. William J. Seymour, an African-American preacher, led the congregation. Seymour preached racial reconciliation. He also preached about restoring biblical spiritual gifts.
Charles Parham provided the doctrinal framework for the Pentecostal movement. He identified speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism. This became a defining mark of Pentecostalism. The revival at Azusa Street propelled Pentecostalism worldwide.
Recognizing the need for structure, leaders formed the Assemblies of God. They met in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914. They sought unity and doctrinal stability. They established legal standing. They coordinated missions. They also started a ministerial training school.
Pentecost came to Dallas, Texas, through Fred F. Bosworth. In 1906, Bosworth received the Holy Spirit in Zion City, Illinois. He was under the ministry of Charles F. Parham. Bosworth participated in the Azusa Street Revival.
In 1910, Bosworth and Elias G. Birdsall held evangelistic meetings in Dallas. Bosworth called it the Pentecostal Tabernacle. In 1912, Maria B. Woodworth-Etter led nightly tent meetings for months. This revival became the foundation of First Assembly of God. It ignited a spiritual fire across North Texas.
In 1914, Bosworth and the Dallas church were founding members of the Assemblies of God. For many years, First Assembly of God was a hub for Pentecostal revival. It hosted evangelists like Aimee Semple McPherson and Smith Wigglesworth.
In 1925, the church moved to 805 S Peak Street. In 1930, the church started broadcasting “Christ Ambassadors Full Gospel Hour” on KRLD radio. It became known as the Full Gospel Church. In 1937, under Rev. Loren B. Staats, the church became First Assembly of God. In 1939, Staats began publishing “The Full Gospel Herald.”
First Assembly of God of Rockwall, TX, now The Lakes Assembly, began in the mid-1930s. Meetings were held on the town square. The Pentecostal Tabernacle group from Dallas led them.
The Dallas church rented a room in downtown Rockwall. They planted a new church. They quickly outgrew the space. They met in various buildings before buying a store building on Goliad Street. First Assembly of God of Rockwall, TX, officially formed in September 1939.
In 2012, First Assembly of God of Rockwall merged with The Lakes Community Church. The church officially became The Lakes Assembly in March 2013. David Spiegel became the Senior Pastor.
In September 2015, The Lakes Assembly completed a remodel. They expanded the parking lot. They added new bathrooms. They also expanded the foyer and kitchen. A second Sunday morning service was added. The Lakeside Pentecostal Church continues to evolve. It holds services every Sunday morning at 10:30 am and evening at 6:00 pm.