History of  Pinebrook Assembly of God

           The history of Pinebrook Assembly of God parallels that of many of our assemblies throughout the country.  Soon after the turn of the century as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was realized with the evidence of speaking in tongues, the pentecostal message was heard and accepted by seeking believers in scattered communities.

           The denominational churches readily denounced these people, termed ‘radicals, compelling them to meet in homes. These gatherings were called ‘cottage’ prayer meetings where believers were encouraged to seek for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This church had its beginning in such a group in 1916.

           As this congregation in Naugatuck grew in number, it began holding services in Reubins Hall on South Main Street for several years.  In 1935 the church moved into a church on Prospect Street that had been rented to them for 100 years, providing it would always house a Bible-believing assembly. A series of pastors served this congregation of between 20-40 members, then known as Full Gospel Tabernacle.

          In 1963 Pastor Edwin Antin had the vision of the church acquiring property and led in buying a parsonage at 10 Caroline Circle.  During the tenure of the next pastor, Rev. Richard Babcock the church attendance increased to the point of filling the church auditorium to capacity, and  the search began for a piece of property on which to build a larger sanctuary.

         After much prayer, the property on the corner of City Hill and Wooster Streets  miraculously became available–nearly five acres, including a house- for $40,000.00!  This was cause of great rejoicing as the congregation took a step of faith, sold the house at Caroline Circle, and renovated the house on the property for use as a parsonage.

         Pastor Coleman Barlow arrived as leader in 1975 when the Sunday services were being held in the auditorium of Prospect Street School. The inconvenience of transporting equipment across the street each week gave impetus to a move forward on construction plans. Again as God miraculously intervened, ground breaking for a new edifice occurred on November 16, l975.

        With God’s gift of an extremely mild winter, the church building was dedicated to God on April 11,l976.  The choir sang several numbers with Gordon Bleacher as director. The theme,’To God be the Glory’, inscribed on the cornerstone was heartfelt praise to God . He had provided the facilities and left to the congregation the challenge of reaching this community for Him.  The name of the church was changed to Pinebrook Assembly of God, reflecting the natural surroundings-a pine grove and a brook forming the north boundary.

        During the ensuing years, a deaf ministry was carried on.  Pastor John Harmon established a Christian school in the facility and built an auxiliary building. Through the years many lives were touched by God and drawn to Himself.