How it all started...
In 1939, God spoke to James and Evalene Glenn to return to Benton, Arkansas to start an Assemblies of God church. They were, at that time, living in Wesleco, Texas, seven miles from the Rio Grande River.
Upon their return, they found much opposition to building a Pentecostal work. However, after presenting the burden of their hearts to Rev. Elmer McAlister, Bro. McAlister agreed to help get a church started. He located a garage on Edison and Border streets here in Benton, and after talking with the owner obtained permission to use the building without obligations. Bro. McAlister made the first church benches from scraps of materials from a nearby sawmill.
Upon their return, they found much opposition to building a Pentecostal work. However, after presenting the burden of their hearts to Rev. Elmer McAlister, Bro. McAlister agreed to help get a church started. He located a garage on Edison and Border streets here in Benton, and after talking with the owner obtained permission to use the building without obligations. Bro. McAlister made the first church benches from scraps of materials from a nearby sawmill.
In 1940, they held their first service with about 20 people. Thus, Bro. and Sis. McAlister, along with Bro. and Sis. Glenn, the church began what is now known as Benton First Assembly. At this time, the church had not been set in order. Bro. McAlister served as the pastor until August 1941.
A young preacher by the name of Bill Morris came and stayed two or three weeks. Being young and single, the Army drafted him.
In September 1941, two young ladies (Eva Merril, a cousin to Sis. Adney, and Allene Bowman) conducted a revival. They remained as pastors until April 1942. Sis. Hazel Rood also preached there during that time.
In September 1941, two young ladies (Eva Merril, a cousin to Sis. Adney, and Allene Bowman) conducted a revival. They remained as pastors until April 1942. Sis. Hazel Rood also preached there during that time.
The church body held a business meeting in April 1942 and called Rev. Jewell Murry to pastor. They had purchased land at East and Maple Streets and had signed a contract for the lumber to build a church. Bro. Glenn along with Bro Murry and a few friends built the church.
On November 1 1942, Bro. Murry arranged for Bro. Burris, the state superintendent, and Bro Gotcher, his assistant, to come and set the church in order. The roster showed 41 members at this time, and others joined the church on that day. It was a memorable day for everyone with services all day and dinner at the church. The first deacons were Bill Sheridan, Charles Hubert, and Perhaps Bro. Glenn. Bro. Ashmore was the Sunday School Superintendent; Maurine Bledsoe, Sunday School Secretary, Sis. Hubert, Church Secretary, and Ethel Wind, pianist.
In the spring of 1943, Bro. Murry was elected Sectional Presbyter, and since the load had become very heavy, he and Sis. Murry felt led to resign.
On November 1 1942, Bro. Murry arranged for Bro. Burris, the state superintendent, and Bro Gotcher, his assistant, to come and set the church in order. The roster showed 41 members at this time, and others joined the church on that day. It was a memorable day for everyone with services all day and dinner at the church. The first deacons were Bill Sheridan, Charles Hubert, and Perhaps Bro. Glenn. Bro. Ashmore was the Sunday School Superintendent; Maurine Bledsoe, Sunday School Secretary, Sis. Hubert, Church Secretary, and Ethel Wind, pianist.
In the spring of 1943, Bro. Murry was elected Sectional Presbyter, and since the load had become very heavy, he and Sis. Murry felt led to resign.
