The Pentecostal Movement, beginning around the turn of the century, has become a vital force throughout the world. Their phenomenal growth as a result of their evangelical and missionary efforts is a matter of record and continual testimony to what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through dedicated believers.

The assemblies of God, largest of the Pentecostal groups was organized in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 2-12, 1914.

 

Describing the beginning of Trinity Assembly of God, A.B. Cox writes, "It was in July 1914 that I went to Shaft. In six months I had built the church with five rooms over the hall." Rev. Cox and his wife Dora, came to Frostburg and held street meetings which eventually led to the building of the church in Shaft. The church, occupied early in 1915 had the honor of convening the convention which resulted in the organizing of the "District Council of Maryland and West Virginia" on August 24, 1917. A.B. Cox was elected first district superintendent.

 

Brother Balteau and his wife (wife-Maggie, Freddie - Billie) had invited Brother and Sister Cox to stay with them while they conducted the street meetings and were converted under Brother Cox's ministry. They became the first missionaries called from our church. Sister Balteau was buried in China

 

Our second pastor was Rev. Willard H. Pope (1918-20), a young man from Oklahoma.

 

The church continued under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Cope and wife Joanna from Toledo, Ohio (1920-21),

 

Rev. George W. Burkhart and wife Marion (1921-24),

 

and Rev. HarryA. Groves and wife Lucretia (Marguerite) (1924-27).

 
On August 20, 1925 at the district meeting held in Hagerstown, MD a motion was carried that we change the name of our district to "The Potomac District Council of the Assemblies of God."
 

Significant changes took place under the next minister, Rev. L.T. Stewart and wife Plima (Ruth, Una - Faith) (1927-30). In 1929 the church relocated in Midlothian. They tore the first church down, transported it to Midlothian, and used the lumber to build their second church.

 

 

Rev. Albert Ark and wife Fannie from West Virginia served as the seventh pastor (1930-38).

 

After Brother Ark's resignation, Rev. Walter Long filled in for several months until

 

Rev. and Mrs. (DeEsta) H.B. Kelchner and family (Daniel, David - Ruth) came (1940-45). Rev. Kelchner and members of the congregation began holding street meetings on Broadway in Frostburg every Saturday night. Frostburg Assembly of God was started as a result of those street meetings

 

Rev. Edwin Stevenson and wife Carolyn (Faith Ester) served from 1945-47,

 

and Rev. Harold and Susan Zuch from 1947-51. The Zuch's were the first to live in the new parsonage.

 

Rev. Anderson Phillips and wife Wilma (Charles - Sharon) were the pastor when our present church was built at a cost of $70,000 (1951-55).

 

 

Rev. Norman E. Haupt and wife Isabelle (Eddie, Norma, Judy - Elaine) served from 1955-57.

 

The new Sunday School wing was added under the leadership of Rev. James L. Tate and wife Arlene (Ray, Wayne - Laurie) (1957-62). Also during this time, street meetings were held in Grantsville, resulting in the beginning of Maranatha Assembly of God.

 

The church continued under the ministry of Rev. Rufus and Marjorie Richendrfer (Patty) from Michigan (1962-70),

 

Rev. Robert and Louise Collette (Gail, Robbie - Sandy) (1970-79)

 

and Rev. James Johnson and wife Maire (Bill, Steve - Ruth) from North Dakota (1980-85). During Brother Johnson's ministry the fellowship building was purchased and remodeled.

 

In 1985 Rev. Jack E. Sallie and wife Ann (Nathan - Sara) began their ministry in Midlothian. Under Brother Sallie's leadership the staff position of Youth and Campus Pastor has been instituted and a second parsonage has been purchased.

 

In 1991 Rev. William Hyde and wife Carolynn (Linda - Jeff) began their ministry in Midlothian.