HISTORY OF OUR LOCAL CONGREGATION
The First Church of God in North Apollo got its start when a revival meeting was held in the Cochran's Mill vicinity early in the 1900's. Included in this group were several members of the Jacob Shellhammer family. By 1920, some of these folks had migrated to Vandergrift where a congregation was established. Later this group met In Vandergrift Heights and North Vandergrift where they built a small building. Then the congregation moved to Franklin Ave. in Vandergrift. Several of those attending the church were from the North Apollo area, and by 1927 they started to hold prayer meetings and other services in their own vicinity. After a time the group organized and began holding services in the building known as Sowers Hall, located between Robins and Cochran Ave. in North Apollo.

By 1928 the group had incorporated and attendance was running over 50 in the morning worship service. In 1930, during the pastorate of Rev. Herman Genske, the congregation built a wooden tabernacle on Wilson Ave. In 1932, under the leadership of I.S. McCoy, that building was replaced. Later, during the tenure of George Sample, a brick building was erected on Second and Wilson Ave. Henry G. Howe pastored following G.E. Sample. Harold G. Howell served from 1954-1956. During the ministry of Paul Smith, a Christian education unit was added in 1964. Ivan P. Alls pastored the congregation in 1965-66.

Carl D. Holm assumed the pastoral role in April, 1967. Under his leadership a parsonage was built in 1973, and a new sanctuary with facilities for Christian Education were completed in May, 1979. Since that time other Pastors have included Alan Wilson from 1980-1984, John & Darlene Siepel Co-pastored the congregation from 1983-1988, and Chris Smith served from 1999-2002 as Pastor of Youth and Christian Education.

Our current pastoral staff includes our Sr. Pastor, Robert Shallenberger and Associate Pastor, Lee Rupert. Pastor Shallenberger began his pastoral ministry on November 4, 1990. Under his leadership First Church of God has experienced both numerical and spiritual growth. We have grown from an average attendance of 145 people to our current average attendance of 535 people.

Pastor Rupert joined the staff in 1994 as our associate pastor, with responsibilities in Assimilation ministries and Worship. John Secreto joined us in March 2005 as the Director of Administration and Communications. In January of 2006, Janice Spearritt joined our Staff as the CE Director. (Further information concerning our pastors and other staff can be accessed by clicking on the pastor tab.)

Other events that have helped us minister to our community was the completion of our Family Life Center in 1994. This center includes a gym, kitchen, office space and classrooms. In 1997 we expanded our parking lot to accomadate the growth and purchased an additional 21 acres of adjacent land in 1998 as we anticipate future growth needs.

Over the years spiritual and numerical growth have been a part of our heritage. The years have witnessed a panorama of the miracles of God's grace and blessings. Yes, there have been heartaches, disappointment, tragedies and some have turned away. But many have followed Christ and many are still witnessing to others locally, across the nation & around the world.