Born from a love for Jesus Christ Arlington Assembly of God Church stands as a testament to faith and community. This wasn’t just any church. It was built by a group of friends. They poured their hearts into creating a place of worship. It began as a small cottage prayer meeting in 1951. Willie and Hazel Spradlin opened their home. These meetings continued until 1952. Then Reverend Leonard and Faith Campbell joined. They united the group into a fellowship. Their goal was to establish a church in Arlington Virginia. The growing congregation eventually moved to the Lyon Village Community Center. They even used a women’s club house on Irving Street to hold Sunday school. Their first service had just 19 people.
On November 11 1952 the church was officially established. Reverend Leonard Campbell was the first pastor. It was named Grace Assembly of God. The Assemblies of God officially recognized the church in Springfield Missouri on November 20 1953. A significant milestone. The Lord guided Reverend Campbell to land on Pershing Drive. The church purchased this land in 1954. Groundbreaking for a new building happened in 1955. The congregation held their first service in the new building on June 24 1956.
Reverend Claude became pastor in 1956. He and his wife Retha blessed the church with their ministry. By 1963 the church needed a larger sanctuary. A 65-foot tower and cross were added. The dedication of the new sanctuary was on May 13 1966. Then the name changed from Grace Assembly of God to Arlington Assembly of God. The church continued to grow and thrive. It expanded its mission work globally. Reaching out to countries like the Dominican Republic Panama Paraguay Chile and Russia and Ukraine. Arlington Assembly of God also established a beautiful church and an orphanage in Motovilovkia Ukraine. The church’s outreach also extended to the local community. It supported the creation of Burke Lake Gardens housing for the elderly in 1985.
Through the years Arlington Assembly of God has mothered three other churches. These are Fairfax Assembly of God Woodbridge Assembly of God and Burke Lake Assembly of God. It’s a testament to the church’s impact on the community. Today Arlington Assembly of God continues its mission. Reaching people both locally and around the world. Its legacy is one of faith service and global outreach. A beacon of hope for over 75 years. A church built on humble beginnings and a love for Jesus Christ. Its mission remains clear Reaching YOU that YOU might reach the world. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith and community.