Beyond its role as a place of worship, Assemblies of God Church has a unique story. The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana is part of a large global network. It spans 212 countries. The church’s origins trace back to missionaries from the Assemblies of God in the U.S.A.
Rev. Lloyd and Margaret Shirer journeyed from Burkina Faso to the Gold Coast in 1931. They traveled on horseback. They established the first Assemblies of God congregation in Yendi. They were joined by dedicated individuals like Miss Beulah Buchhwalter and Guy Hickok. These early missionaries faced harsh conditions. They remained committed to spreading their faith.
Some of these missionaries paid the ultimate price. Bushwalker and Guy Hickock died on the mission field in 1942. Despite these losses, the church continued to grow. Branches were established in Tamale and Walewale by 1935. Bawku followed in 1937. The first Mamprusi Christian, Bro. Mba Mahama, was converted in 1939.
Assemblies of God’s commitment to Ghana was further cemented on December 13, 1948. The Assemblies of God airplane, “Ambassador”, landed in Accra. It brought Wheeler Andersons, Rody Johnson, and Ozella Reid. They joined the missionary family.
The early missionaries quickly realized the needs of the communities they served. They addressed hunger, disease, poverty, and illiteracy. Female missionaries organized literacy classes for women. Male missionaries taught men practical skills. They learned to make swish blocks, door frames, window frames, and roof trusses. Rev. Lloyd Shirer even served as a community development officer in Tamale.
Recognizing the need for medical care, the Assemblies of God built its first clinic in 1948. It was located in Saboba in the Northern Region. A second clinic followed in Nakpanduri in 1950. A maternity clinic was established in Walewale.
Education was also a priority. The first Assemblies of God Bible School in Ghana opened in 1950. It was located in Kumbungu. Rev. Fur Thomas led the school. The first graduates completed their pastoral training in 1951. Winifred Mullings, an early student, became the Dean of the Northern Ghana Bible Institute.
The Assemblies of God Literature Centre (AGLC) was established in Accra. Rev. E. L. Phillips dedicated it in 1970. The center published the first Dagomba version of the New Testament in 1973. Rev. and Mrs. H. S. Lehman and Pastor Daniel Wumbee worked on the translation. In 1980, the Ghana Literature Outlet (GLO) was established. It is now known as Assemblies Bookshop Limited (AGBL). The church also launched “Ghana Evangel” magazine in 1959.
To strengthen members’ faith, Assemblies of God Ghana introduced Vacation Bible Schools around 1959. This initiative continued for many years. The church expanded to the south. Churches were established in Accra and Kumasi in 1944. Takoradi followed in 1945. The Southern Ghana District Council was inaugurated in 1950. Rev. Edward Adutwum was the first indigenous person to receive the Holy Spirit baptism in the South in 1942. He later became a pastor and General Secretary.
Assemblies of God Church stands as a testament to faith. It also highlights service. It is a place where the spirit of its founders lives on.