Since 1972, the congregation of Faith Assembly of God has striven to be a change agent for God in this area … always intending that our efforts as a church family would be viewed positively by this community.
Faith Assembly of God came about through the efforts of Mr. Wayne Hatcher, a convenience store proprietor. As he looked out the door of his convenience store that, at the time, was located on the eastern edge of Granbury, he saw a rise of land that he envisioned as a great church location. Church historical records indicate an “Official” meeting was called on October 24, 1971. Among those who gathered at Mr. Hatcher’s home were: Reverend and Mrs. John Watkins (first pastor and family), the Hatcher family (including daughter, Joyce Snow, her husband, Lester, and children), and about a half-dozen others. Following the sermon by Rev. Watkins, those in attendance agreed to continue the services on a regular basis at Mr. Hatcher’s home.
An official business meeting was held on December 1, 1971 in which it was determined to proceed to establish a new church on the previously mentioned piece of property. As part of the process of establishing this new church, nominations were received for the new church name. Among the names submitted were: Christian Assembly; Christian Center; Lakeview Temple; and Faith Assembly. After deliberations, the discussion focused on the name… FAITH ASSEMBLY. It was noted by someone present that “If our church is to survive, grow and become established, it will take FAITH!” Determined to incorporate their vision into the name, Faith Assembly of God was birthed. This first business meeting was then dismissed with the determination to investigate procuring the Arnold property in the Granbury Acres Addition as the future site of Faith Assembly of God.
On February 26, 1972, the first service was held in a portable building on the site previously known as the Arnold property. Pastor John Watkins served approximately 15 months. He was followed by Pastor Harry Klepper who led the church for about a year. Then under the leadership of Pastor A. R. Aman, the first building foundation was poured on June 4, 1975 and construction began on the new church facility. The building was completed and the first service held in its present location on August 4, 1975. Pastor Mike Riggins was elected to serve the church in September, 1976. Not long after that time, a parent’s school, in cooperation with Grace Bible Church was established which necessitated the addition of two temporary buildings to the church property. At the height of the Charismatic movement in 1981, the leadership chose to rename the church Bethel Community Church. Pastor David Leatherwood followed Pastor Riggins in 1984 and served until February 1989.
On July 30, 1989, Pastor Larry Dickson and his family were elected to lead Bethel Community Church. In their Annual Business meeting in February, 1994, after much prayer and deliberation, the church voted to return to the name – Faith Assembly of God. With one heart, the Faith Family felt that once again their desire was that we declare our commitment to and dependence on faith and recommit to the church’s original vision.
In the past 25+ years, Faith has continued to be led by Pastor Dickson. The church has focused on helping people through its leadership’s commitment to Hood County, its Benevolence program, as well as its prayer ministry. Many in the community have seen God work in their lives through the ministries of Faith Assembly. Believing that God has called us to assist in the healing of people who have been wounded, whether by others…or by the difficulties of life, we provide a solid ministry of the Word of God as well as the strength of a congregation that knows that none of us have reached “the place we ought to be, but are grateful that we are not where we once were.” We believe that God accepts each of us where we are, but intends to take us from wherever we may be to that place in life where He wants us to be.
We feel strongly that we are to reach out to the people of Acton, DeCordova, Pecan Plantation and the other areas situated on the growing Eastern edge of Hood County. We look forward to the opportunity to move forward with plans to continue to establish Faith Assembly as a ministry reaching those who will hear and join with us!
If you would like to be a part of this future, we invite you to visit us in our current location and join with us in securing the brighter future that God has presented us.
