Praying for souls marked the start of First Assembly Church. It began with a desire. That desire lived in the hearts of individuals in 1925. They gathered in the home of Julius and Susie Sellenshuetter. Their prayer meetings stirred a theme. It was for the souls in St. Charles.
Soon tent meetings took place. They were on Clay Street. Evangelist Herbert Halwe led them. Theo and Maline Kunze started hosting tarry services in their home in 1926. That fall, a hall was rented. It was at 300 S. Main St. A group began meeting for worship there. A.A. Wilson, Assemblies of God Superintendent, formed the church. He named it Glad Tidings Tabernacle. Rev. A.L. Matejka became pastor. A basement church was built at Sixth and Franklin streets.
First Assembly Church started with faith and prayer. A passion to pray for souls ignited it. A basement start blossomed into an assembly. The assembly is called to declare the Gospel. It is also called to display the Gospel to everyone. This happens everyday and everywhere.
Missions became a core value for First Assembly Church. They believe they must bring the Gospel to all. This happens everyday and everywhere. They go beyond their borders. This is done through short-term mission trips. They support over 65 missionaries. These missionaries are around the world.
First Assembly Church is growing fast. It is one of the fastest-growing Assemblies of God churches in the region. Dynamic ministries have been created. They help minister to individuals and families. Church health matters more than growth. First Assembly Church recognizes this. God has a specific plan for each person’s life. People are a priority. The ministries reflect their heart. They help people from all backgrounds. They reach people across the St. Louis region and the world.
First Assembly Church invites you to join them. They gather to worship every Sunday. Services are at 9:00a and 11:00a. First Assembly Church believes in one God. He is the Creator and Ruler. This God exists in three persons. They are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He had a virgin birth. He lived a sinless life. He died on the cross for atonement. Jesus resurrected on the third day. He sits at the Father’s right hand. He will return to reign as Lord.
First Assembly Church believes in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers Christians. They live godly lives. Each believer’s body is a temple. The Holy Spirit lives there. Believers must be filled with the Spirit. This is ongoing. The Spirit gives power for living. He gives understanding of truth. He guides in doing right. He provides spiritual gifts. These gifts edify the church.
First Assembly Church values the Bible. It is inspired and infallible. Men wrote Scripture by the Spirit. The Bible teaches and equips Christians. It guides them to righteousness. They believe humans were created in God’s image. They were meant to have fellowship with Him. Sin alienated them. Humans cannot restore this relationship alone. Jesus’ blood on the cross forgives sins. Salvation comes through faith in Christ. It is a gift from God’s grace.
First Assembly Church believes in a new life for Christians. The old life is gone. Living for Christ is now. By obeying Scripture and yielding to the Spirit, believers mature. They become like Christ. They show love for God and neighbor. The church is Christ’s body. Jesus is the Head. The church glorifies God. It witnesses for Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives gifts. These gifts include encouragement and teaching. The church practices water baptism and Holy Communion. Christ instituted these. Christians who die reunite at Jesus’ second coming. This is followed by Christ’s millennial reign. A final judgment occurs. Then, a new heaven and earth appear. Christ’s power to heal is available today. The church lays hands on the sick. They anoint them with oil. They pray for recovery.