Here stands First Assembly of God Church of Grand Prairie. This church began with a vision to reach the community. Let me tell you the story of its journey.
In September 1958 Rev. M.E Collins attended a meeting. He was then President of Southwestern Bible Institute. Gayle Lewis challenged bible colleges to establish new churches at the meeting. Lewis also wanted them to train ministerial students. They would help pioneer these churches.
Rev. Collins returned to Waxahachie Texas. He had a vision to reach his community. He wanted to start a church. In March 1959 he began prayer meetings at his home. He sought God’s direction. His wife attended these meetings. Rev. and Mrs. Bob Skipper also attended. E W Patterson attended as well as others.
This small group felt God wanted them to pioneer a new church. It would be in Grand Prairie. They named it East Side Assembly of God. The church began worship meetings in September. They rented a duplex at 2320 Pine St GP. Rev. Skipper and his family lived in the other half.
Soon the church purchased four lots. They were at the corner of Pine and 21st street. The land was dedicated to the Lord on Nov 8th 1959. A tent was erected on the property. Services were held through the fall and summer months. Outstanding Evangelistic preaching took place. Construction began soon. In 1960 the auditorium and first floor were dedicated. The second floor was complete in 1964.
In March 1964 Rev. Collins resigned. Rev. Skipper was elected pastor. By 1970 the church had grown. An educational building was added. It had a kitchen and fellowship hall. It was named in honor of Rev. M.E. Collins. In 1979 the church’s name changed. It became Abundant Life Assembly of God Church.
5. 8 acres of prime property were purchased in 1983. They were on Carrier Parkway. Construction began in 1984. The new building included a sanctuary. It also had classrooms, offices, and a fellowship hall. There was a kitchen and music areas.
The new facilities were occupied in 1985. The former property was sold. In March 1985 the church began drive-in services. The 30-minute service included prayer. There was special music and singing. A 15-minute inspirational message was given. It attracted national attention. It was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America in April 1988. A new addition was added in November 1989. It enlarged the fellowship area. Six additional classrooms and an office were added.
November 1996 saw the end of an era. Rev. Bob and Kathleen Skipper retired after nearly 40 years. Rev. Michael and Diana Anderson became the new pastors. They served until January 2001. During their time a quarter acre was sold to Whataburger. This allowed the church to pay off its debt.
Rev. Randy and Susan Robertson were elected in Feb 2001. They served until January 2004. They raised money for significant remodels. In 2004 Rev. Doug and Ginger Brodess were elected. They began remodeling projects.
In June 2005 Rev. Jeff and Nancy Magruder came as interim pastors. They were elected the next month. In 2007 the facilities underwent a major overhaul. The kitchen and restrooms were modernized. The nursery, offices, foyer, and stage were renovated. A playground with a sport court was added later that year.
Rev. Everette and Elke Pafford were elected in June 2012. They began implementing a vision for service. The staff united for community outreach. In August 2012 they held the first annual Back To School Bash. It had nearly 500 people.
Today Abundant Life Assembly of God is dedicated. It wants to create a church as envisioned. It is committed to training future leaders. The church pledges to honor elders. It wants to nurture youth. The church respects all ethnicities. At Abundant Life you aren’t just a member. You are family.