Our Story

 
The "Sheep Shed" circa 1914

Around 1912, as the Pentecostal movement spread though Arkansas, an elderly Pentecostal evangelist, Reverend Irving held a two-week revival in Argenta, Arkansas (now known as North Little Rock).  Immediately after evangelist Irving left, two more men came and continued the meeting. These meetings were held at 18th and Pike on the first floor of a two-story building. 

A few months later, Sister Della Cook came to Argenta to help in a series of meetings which had then begun in the two story building on the corner of 9th and Parker streets. This building, called "The Crow's Nest" by the early members, is still standing. The meeting was taken across the street to the playground of the old Baring Cross Grammar School where a large ragged tent was erected. This three-month revival brought in at least 42 people.

Soon after this time, the people began to realize their need of a permanent place of worship. A lot at 22nd and Franklin streets was obtained by paying the delinquent taxes.  The people who lived in this part of Argenta immediately began to hold services in a grove across the street from where the church was to be built.

The first church on the newly-acquired property was a crude structure called "The Sheep Shed". It had no floor and the side walls were constructed so that they could be raised and propped up in mild weather, making an open-air tabernacle approximately 40 X 60 feet. It was heated in the winter by a large wood-burning stove, and had no electricity.

As the church grew, the second building was built in 1917.  It had wooden floors, electricity, and was heated by natural gas. This building was used until 1929, when the third building, "The Old Rock Church" was built.

The church sent a delegation to Hot Springs, Arkansas where the General Council of the Assemblies of God was formed in April of 1914.  At the time the delegation decided to remain independent, but eleven years later in June of 1925, the congregation voted to join the Assemblies of God fellowship and the church became known as 22nd Street Assembly of God. 

The church continued to grow and see changes.  22nd Street Assembly of God became First Assembly of God.  In 1965 a new Educational building was built.  Throughout the years many pastors and leaders contributed to the rich history of the church.   

Rev. Alton Garrison was elected pastor in March 1986. Under his ministry, the church underwent the greatest growth in its history, and repeatedly broke all previous attendance and giving records. The church relocated to a new building, its present location, in 1990. The building was paid off in 1995. In that same year, the parking lot was expanded to ease the parking crunch.

In 1998, the church finished construction on an expansion to the church complex that houses a new administration office area, more classroom space, and a youth auditorium. This expansion also freed up space in the main building for more nursery and classroom areas.

In 2000, the church built the Murry Activity Center, which houses a gym, classrooms, and meeting space for children's ministries.  The building was named for members of the Murry family:  the late Brother George Murry, a staff member for 37 years; Dorothy Murry, his wife and longtime Sunday School teacher; Joy Murry, long time church librarian; and her husband Caroll Murry, a long time board member. 

In May 2001, Pastor Garrison was elected District Superintendent for the Arkansas District of the Assemblies of God during the annual District Council.  As this is a full time position, he resigned as Senior Pastor.  In June of that same year, the congregation elected Rod Loy as his successor.  Pastor Rod had served the church for nine years in different positions, most recently as Executive Pastor.  This order of succession allowed the church to keep the same staff and same vision that had been formed during the previous 15 years with Alton Garrison. 

 
First Assembly Today

Under the leadership of Pastor Rod Loy, First Assembly started church plants in Vilonia and Downtown Little Rock, and surpassed all previous records in missions giving and attendance.  There is a renewed focus on community outreach with activities and programs like Operation Homefront, Family Fest, Christmas Lane, and Sharefest to name a few.    

We are unspeakably grateful for the blessings of God, who has made First Assembly what it is today.  As we continue to grow, we look back on our beginnings, realizing that we are nothing without Him and that His work and will must be first in our minds as we move into the future.  

Originally adapted from the booklet "First Assembly: A Brief History", by Rev. George Murry