HISTORY

The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal charismatic organization that saw its early beginnings in the Azusa Street Revival in the U.S.A. in the 1900's. The work and ministry of the Assemblies of God in The Bahamas began in 1928 when Minister I. G. Roberts of the South Florida District came and preached the gospel to many Bahamians in New Providence. This group included a number of per­sons from the Church of God who later transferred their membership to the Assemblies of God. Under the supervision of Superintendent A.G. Voight of the South Florida District of the Assemblies of God USA, and S.B. Pinder who served as the Pastor from 1928-1930, a small group formed the first Assembly.

 However, following a dispute over the church's leadership, the majority of the members decided to become an independent body while a few sought re-admission into the Church of God. This inde­pendent group held cottage meetings in the home of Brother Vivian Weech (originally of the Current, Eleuthera) who resided in the Fort Fincastle area of Nassau. Later, they relocated to the home of his brother, Charles Kenneth Weech, on Kemp Road. He had returned from the Current, Eleuthera and had become the Pastor in 1930. In 1932 Vivian Weech was elected Pastor and he, along with his brother Charles K. Weech, the members, other business persons and volunteers, constructed a wooden structure in 1934 on property located on Kemp Road south of Shirley Street. The building was dedicated and named "Pentecostal Lighthouse Tabernacle".

 In 1935 this body of believers was firmly established as an Assemblies of God Church in The Bahamas under the supervision of the Superintendent of the South Florida District, Rev. C.C. Garrett. There were seventeen (17) charter members. In 1938 the nephew of Vivian and Charles Weech, Earl Weech, became the Pastor. As they experienced steady growth through his ministry as well as the min­istries/revival meetings of Evangelists Osbourne Thompson, Guy Shields and others from the U.S.A., they realized the need for a larger building. Thus, in 1941 a new building was erected and Rev. Guy Shields returned from the US to dedicate it. It was renamed "Evangelistic Temple". The church continued to experience phenomenal growth under the leadership of several other ministers during the period between 1948-1955. Then, in 1956, under the pastorate of the Rev. John Wilkerson (1955 - 1958), the church relocated on Collins avenue (its present location). Those members who did not want to relocate to the new site, purchased the building on Kemp Road and renamed it "Glad Tidings Tabernacle".

Grand Bahama District:

• Living Waters Assembly, Rev.  Johnny Carey,
• Eternal Light Deliverance Center, Pastored by Rev. Unay Jones,  
• Abundant Life Church, Pastored by Rev. Fernander
• Calvary Chapel, Pastored by Rev. George Cooper

The New Providence District:

• Faith Assembly, Pastored by Rev. Moss
• Abundant Harvest Assembly, Pastored by Rev. Harriet Fernander
• Trinity Assembly Pastored by Rev. Ed Watson.

Long Island District:  

• First Assembly pastored by Rev. Franklyn Burrows;

Abaco District:

• Full Gospel Assembly, Rev. Stafford Symonette,
• Trumpet Assembly,  Rev. Carlton Dorsette

The Turks & Caicos District:

• Community Fellowship Center, Pastored by Rev. C. J. Stubbs

The Assemblies of God Bible College was established by Rev. Gary Curry along with Rev. Bradshaw.  After which time Rev. John Bunney became the director for three years, then Rev Moses took over as director and held that position for over 30 years.

As director he created a strategic partnership with the Caribbean School of Theology (CST) which enabled students of the Assemblies of God Bible College to obtain a Bachelor's degree at a faster pace.   The Bible College enrolled and graduated numerous students from around the Bahamas and the ordination of the present Superintendent Rev. Patrick Paul.

Rev. Vernon Moses described his life and leadership, "I try and live a simple life and most important to have a humble spirit and that will take you a long way because the job is not an easy one."  

LEADERSHIP         

                Rev. Patrick A. Paul, General Superintendent & President of The Bahamas Christian Council

Rev. Patrick Paul was born to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Paul and is the fourth child of thirteen. From a very young child he faced an uphill battle with a speech impediment, which kept him out school during his early formative years. In the early eighties he received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It was perseverance that kept him working during the day and furthering his education at night, pursuing theological studies at The Assemblies of God Bible College and the Caribbean School of Theology, where he obtained a Diploma and Bachelors Degree in Theology.

Rev. Paul also attained a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Global University. He has accepted the mandate of God to be a catalyst for change. He believes that the current, relevant, transcending Word of God is the only true and lasting hope for a dysfunctional generation and has committed his life to be a voice for social and spiritual transformation. He is determined to pass a healthy legacy on to the next generation.

In recognition of the leadership qualities and the hand of God upon this servant of God, Rev. Paul was elected Vice President of the Caribbean Fellowship of the Assemblies of God Executives (CFAGE) in January 2006 and President of the Bahamas Christian Council in April 2008.

Rev. Paul is often sought after as a Conference and Special Services Speaker for his keen insight into the Scriptures and his ability to exegete the Word of God. His passion to deliver the Word is confirmed by the anointing of God that brings conviction and commands change.