First Aseembly of God began in 1943 as with cottage prayer meetings and tent crusade. At first it was a branch of the Melcroft Assembly, then under direction of the Home Missions Department in 1953 it was organized as a self-governing assembly affiliated with the Assemblies of God , Springfield Missouri.
During the early years the congregation worshiped in various rented buildings such as a building in Swedetown, a storeroom on Pittsburgh Street, the Reid Building, and in the former AME Zion Church on South Broadway.
In 1951, property was purchased a the corner of Elm Street and Jennings Avenue and a basement church was erected and later enlarged. In more recent years plans were made to complete the superstructure. This was done and the entire building, a fine brick structure was dedicated December 6, 1970. During the years, other property in the immedate area was purchased providing a parsonage, a large church parking lot and land for further expansion.
SWPA History 