Our History

In 1940, a small prayer meeting lead by Maxie Smith lead to tent meetings  under the ministries of Rev. Glenn Utley and Rev. L.D. Staton. Through those series of revival tent meetings, Greenwood First Assembly of God was birthed. In 1943 the church moved into its first building on High Street and Cambridge Road (at the overhead bridge). A spirit of revival continued through fasting and prayer. 

Through many pastoral changes First Assembly elected Rev. C.L. Duck as its Senior Pastor in 1951. He continued leading the church in the Spirit of Pentecost until He was elected District Superintendent of the South Carolina District of the Assembly of God in 1953. First Assembly was ahead of the times. Following Rev. C.L. Duck’s election to the District, his daughter Rev. Ruby Hazel Duck was elected Senior Pastor. This was during a time when it was unpopular for women to serve in leadership roles in the church. It is believed that she was the first female pastor in the Assemblies of God in South Carolina and in Greenwood. 

In the 1960’s the church purchased the present property with a deal made on a handshake by Mr. Goldman and a farmer. Shortly afterwards, under the leadership of Rev. Sanford Jones, the congregation built a new Sanctuary, Gymnasium, ball field and tennis courts. Rev. Jones remains the churches longest tenure Pastor of nineteen years. 

The church continued to move forward and grow. In 1992 a new fellowship hall was built in place of the aging gymnasium. Rev. Terry Carter came as interim Pastor in 2005, steering the church during a difficult season and bringing stability, unity and restoration until they were ready to hire a Pastor. 

Rev. T. Samuel Hart was elected in 2007 to lead First Assembly forward. Under his leadership, the church building was remodeled and updated. Rev. Hart emphasized unity, spirituality and encouraged the congregation to be people of presence. 

Feeling that God had completed his work at First Assembly, Rev. Hart resigned in late 2019. The church was thrust into the Covid 19 pandemic without a Pastor at the helm. 2020 through 2023 were years of God building strength, faith, and unity within the people as they were without leadership. Many gifted men of God preached and shepherded the flock during that time. 

March 26, 2023, Rev. Richard and Rev. Sarah Farrell were elected Senior Pastors. The excitement among the people was tangible. Under their leadership Ablaze Kids was launched, the ball field was updated and began being used by the community,Bible Studies were brought back, and a focus on Knowing God, Loving People and Empowering Life was cast as our New Mission. Many building updates were made as we repaired the house of the Lord. Pastor Richard’s desire is to see the congregation grow Spiritually and become disciple makers. Our best days are ahead of us. God is on the move.