Standing here, at 18 Everleigh Street, we are in front of the Stroud Green Christian Assembly. This assembly has a rich history rooted in the Pentecostal movement. It welcomes all who seek God.
The Stroud Green Christian Assembly’s story began in the 1920s. At that time a nationwide move of the Holy Spirit was affecting many churches. Even people not normally attending church were touched.
Smith Wigglesworth a renowned Pentecostal evangelist played a key role. He held a gospel crusade in Finsbury Park. Converts from this crusade were introduced to the Pentecostal experience. The Smith family were members of the Stroud Green Baptist Church. But they had to leave because their experience of the Holy Spirit was frowned upon. Many established denominations did not accept it.
Meetings began in various places. These included a shop and an upper room above a garage. Mr. Wilfrid Swinburne Smith and his brother Mr. Thomas Winter Smith initially led the work. The congregation joined the Assemblies of God. This was an embryonic Pentecostal movement. This association continued for a long time.
Mr. Swinburne Smith founded the Assemblies of God church in Ponders End in 1936. He served as pastor there for many years. He was pastor emeritus when he died in 1999. Mr. Thomas Winter Smith became the pastor of Stroud Green in 1936. He served until his death in 1975. He was in office for almost 40 years. Since 1991 the pastor has been Mr. Roger Winter Smith his eldest son.
The present building was acquired in 1955. At the inaugural service Mr. Elisha Thompson ministered. He was a lecturer from the Assemblies of God Bible College. His text was Psalm 132:13-14. It says that God has chosen Zion as His habitation. It is His rest forever.
The Stroud Green Christian Assembly desires to be an expression of God’s will. They want to serve in the Stroud Green area and beyond. Mark Mullins joined the Assembly in 1994. Philip Bray joined in 1995. Both later became elders.
The Stroud Green Christian Assembly strives to preserve traditional Pentecostalism. They seek God’s favor through Bible exposition prayer and fellowship. The church emphasizes seeking God in prayer. They also focus on the exposition of His Word. The congregation actively participates in singing prayer and testimony.
Today the Stroud Green Christian Assembly continues to welcome all. It is a place where people can seek God. It is a place where people can love His Word. Sunday morning services are held live at the church. Sunday evening services are broadcast live on Zoom. All meetings are recorded and available on YouTube. The Stroud Green Christian Assembly remains a beacon of faith.