In the Community

Celebrating 50 Years As A Church

BY FRANCINE FULTON

In 1971, the Rev. William Sanders began searching for a plot of land where he could establish a church in Chester County. This year, Trinity Assembly of God (AG) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Trinity AG will present a 50th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. Included will be food, music, children’s games and a dunk tank. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held outdoors, weather permitting. “We will have a pig roast, and several local bakeries will make all sorts of goodies,” said pastor Jimmy Smuda. “There will be horse and buggy rides around the church property, a cornhole tournament, a rock wall and bounce houses. We want people to get to know us as a church and celebrate, and everything will be free.”

According to a written history provided by the church, members of Trinity AG first began meeting at the YMCA in West Chester. The first service was held on Feb 7, 1971, with 24 people in attendance.

Soon after, 5 acres of land was purchased on North Pottstown Pike just outside Exton, where the first chapel was constructed and dedicated in October 1971. The church grew, and a new sanctuary was added to the building in February 1975. The church officially became affiliated with the Assemblies of God in 1976 and incorporated in 1977 in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A new sanctuary and educational wing that now houses Trinity Academy, a child care center, was dedicated in 1997. Al “Pastor Sanders was praying about a place (where) he knew God wanted him to open a church. He didn’t know anybody Cicchinelli and did not have any connections,” said Smuda. “After (the church) began meeting at the YMCA, he made connections, “Concrete” started services and prayer meetings and a children’s ministry. (Eventually), he was able to buy the land. There have been additions, but this (property) has been our home for the last 50 years.”

The community is also invited to attend the 10 a.m. worship service on Oct. 3 in the church sanctuary prior to the celebration. “We will have a service with pastor Steve Torville, who pastored here for 15 years,” Smuda said. “He was the pastor When Quality is Important when our addition (was built) and saw the biggest amount of growth here in the mid-’90s.” We Specialize in Small JobsSmuda, who resides in Exton, was named pastor in August of 2012. Under his guidance, the church is dedicated to serv- • Walkways ing the community through various outreach programs. The chuch also currently supports more than 60 missionaries on • Patios • Steps a monthly basis both locally and abroad. For Free Estimate Call

Trinity AG is located at 1022 Pottstown Pike, West Chester. 610-436-0499 For more information, call the church office at 610-692-1897 or visit facebook.com/TrinityAGWC/events or www.trinityag.org Over 41 Years Experience LIC. & INS. PA030338 R074804

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