Bethany Assembly of God

God's Glory • Good News • Transformed Lives

History of Bethany

“Our roots go back to the year 1904-05 when Mabel Weaver, a consecrated servant of the Lord,  built Peace Chapel at the corner of Springfield and Armory Streets in Springfield. It was an interdenominational work. Rev. A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, dedicated it to the Lord’s work. This early heritage destined the influence of the church around the world.

In the year 1919 Bethany Fellowship Chapel, as it was then named, became affiliated with the New England District of the Assemblies of God. There was a succession of preachers who ministered in the “Chapel” in those early years.

In the year 1924, the church became incorporated under the name of Bethany Pentecostal Church. The ministry of the church continued to bear a great influence for God.      In 1954 the church changed its name to Bethany Assembly of God to      conform to the denominational name.

Under the blessing of God, the leadership of our Head, Jesus Christ, and the enabling of the Holy Spirit, the church has continued to enjoy spiritual and physical growth. In the Springfield location the church entered into at least three major building programs during which the seating capacity was enlarged from 120 to 560.

As the Bethany family sought to fulfill their mission in today’s world; i.e., to minister unto the Lord, to minister unto the Church, and to minister unto the world, the growth and ministry of the church necessitated that we make room for God to do more through this body of believers.

On May 12, 1976, the congregation overwhelmingly voted to purchase the fifty-one acres upon which we are now located. Ground was broken on November 8, 1980, and the cornerstone was laid on November 6, 1982. The first service was held on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1983, and it was dedicated to the glory of God on May 29, 1983.

Continued growth required a second building project on our present site. The facility focuses on the needs of our youth and children providing them with an auditorium, nursery, and classrooms. Ground was broken on March 16, 1997, and the addition was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998 for the furtherance of the Kingdom.”

Bethany Assembly of God, Agawam, MA

The successive ministries of the following pastors and, should Jesus tarry, the future pastors, unite to raise up a mighty standard in these last days:

*excerpt from “Bethany Assembly of God: 110 year Anniversary 1904-2014” compiled and written by Bradford R. Martin.

Rev. H.T. Carpenter 1922-1939
Rev. Wm. Belbin 1939-1943
Rev. V. Fredrickson 1943-1944
Rev. F.D. Eide 1944-1949
Rev. A.D. Skymer 1949-1953
Rev. D.W. Flower 1953-1965
Rev. E.B. Berkey 1965-1990
Rev. G.D. Cope 1990-2000
Dr. H. S. Ryan 2000-2004
Rev. Richard E. Adams 2004-2019
Rev. Stephen Thee 2019-Present