Emmanuel Assembly of God got its start all the way back in 1911 by Mrs. Annie Beisel.
She was living in 836 Union Street in Allentown at the time and heard a word from
God. Through the Holy Spirit, He told her to open her doors, literally. Being obedient
and seeking the Lord to move in her life, she opened the front two rooms of the
house to be used for Sunday afternoon prayer meetings.
As time went on, the house became more and more busy. The prayer meetings gained
in attendance. Traveling evangelists and missionaries would take up room and board
in the home. The prayer meetings transformed into worship services. With the increasing
numbers and presence of God that was welcomed in the home, Mrs. Beisel was led by
God in 1912 to call the home Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”.
The worship services continued to grow over time. Emmanuel grew by getting the deed
to the neighboring house, conducting Sunday school classes and midweek services,
and starting remote Sunday schools classes in nearby cities.
Due to its growth, Emmanuel had to be relocated. In 1960, ground was broken at 1431
Lehigh Parkway East under Reverend Fred Haddad for the new church. In June of 1961,
Emmanuel was moved to its to new and present location.
Since then, Emmanuel has continued to grow and expand. In 1992, a second building
was created in order to provide more classrooms and a larger sanctuary for the increasing
number of congregants. There have been various mission trips, locally and internationally.
In 2008, the Spanish Emmanuel Assembly of God formed and began to hold services
in the Chapel at Emmanuel Assembly of God. This congregation has met a growing need
for the Hispanic members of our local community.
The list of pastors that have dutifully served and that we honor with respect:
1926 - 1958 Rev. Robert S. and Rebecca Beisel
1958 - 1960 Rev. David Owen
1960 - 1962 Rev. Fred Haddad
1962 – 1963 Rev. Clifford Wilkins
1963 - 1967 Rev. David Owen
1967 - 1978 Rev. Juris Reneslacis
1979 – 1980 Rev. David Smartwood
1980 – 1984 Rev. Paul J. Emery, Sr.
1984 – 2002 Rev. Milford Watters
2002 – 2006 Rev. Gary Rice
2007 – 2008 Rev. Jack Provard (interim)
2008 – present Rev. Dr. Robert Coutts
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The booklet below is of the history of Emmanuel written by Rebecca Beisel, daughter
of Mrs. Annie Beisel. The booklet details Emmanuel's history in the early years.
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