The Pentecostal Movement, beginning around the turn of the century, has become a vital force throughout the world. The phenomenal growth, as a result of evangelical and missionary efforts, is a matter of record and continual testimony to what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through dedicated believers.

The Assemblies of God, the largest of the Pentecostal groups, was organized in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 1-12, 1914.

Describing the beginning of Trinity Assembly of God, A.B. Cox wrote: "It was in July 1914 that I went to Shaft. In six months, I had built the church with five rooms over the hall."

Rev. Cox, and his wife Dora, came to Frostburg and held street meetings which eventually led to the building of the church in Shaft. The church, occupied early in 1915, had the honor of hosting the convention which resulted in the oranization of the "District Council of Maryland and West Virginia," on August 24, 1917. A.B. Cox was elected first district superintendent.

 

Brother Balteau and his wife Maggie (with sons Freddie and Billie) had invited Brother and Sister Cox to stay with them while they conducted street meetings and were converted under Brother Cox's ministry. They became the first missionaries called from the church. Sister Balteau was buried in China.

 

 

 

Our second pastor was Rev. William H. Pope - a young man from Oklahoma.

(1918-1920)

 

 The church continued under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Cope and his wife, Joanna, from Toledo, Ohio
(1920-1921).

 

 Rev. George W. Burkhart and wife, Marion.

(1921-1924)
 

Rev. Harry A. Groves and wife Lucretia (Margurite).

(1924-1927)

 

On August 20, 1925, at the district meeting held in Hagerstown, Maryland, a motion was carried that the name of the district be changed to The Potomac District Council of the Assemblies of God.

 

 Significant changes took place under the leadership of the next minister, Rev. L.T. Stewart, and his wife Plima (with daughters Ruth, Una, & Faith). In 1929, the church relocated. It was torn down and the lumber was transported from Shaft to Midlothian to build a new church. (1927-1930)

 

 

Rev. Albert Ark, along with this wife, Fannie, served as the seventh pastor.

(1930-1938)

 

 Rev. Walter Long filled in for severl months following Brother Ark's resignation.

 Rev. H.B. Kelchner, along with his wife DeEsta and family (Daniel, David, & Ruth), arrived in 1940. Rev. Kelchner and members of the congregation began holding street meetings on Broadway in Frostburg every Saturday night. Frostburg Assembly of God was started as a result of those street meetings.
(1940-1945)

 

Rev. Edwin Stevenson pastored from 1945-1947. He is pictured with his wife, Carolyn, and daughter, Faith Esther.

 

Rev. Harold Zuch and his wife Susan were the first to live in the new parsonage.

(1947-1951)

 

Rev. Anderson Phillips (with his wife,Wilma, and children, Charles & Sharon) was pastor when the "old part" of our present building was constructed at a cost of $70,000. (1951-1955)

 

 Rev. Norman E. Haupt and his wife, Isabelle, served from 1955-1957.

They are pictured with their children Eddie, Norma, Judy, & Elaine.

 

A new Sunday School wing was added under the direction of Rev. James Tate. Also, during his tenure, street meetings were held in Grantsville, Maryland, resulting in the start of Marantha Assembly of God. (Pastor Tate is pictured with his wife, Arlene, and his children, Ray, Wayne, & Laurie). (1957-1962)

 

The church continued under the ministry of Rev. Rufus Richenderfer
and his wife Marjorie (with daughter Patty) from Michigan. (1962-1970)

 

 Rev. Robert and Louise Collette with their children, Gail, Robbie, & Sandy. (1970-1979)

 Next came Rev. James Johnson and his wife, Marie, from North Dakota.

During Pastor Johnson's ministry, the fellowship building was purchased and remodeled.

He and Louise are pictured with their children, Bill, Steve, & Ruth.(1980-1985)

 

 In 1985, Rev. Jack Sallie and his wife, Ann began their ministry in Midlothian. (Their children are Nate and Sara.) Under Pastor Sallie's leadership, a Youth and Campus Pastor was added to the staff and a second parsonage was purchased.

 

Rev. Bill Hyde and his wife, Carolyn, ministered here in 1991and 1992.

(Their children are Linda & Jeff.)

 

 

 In March of 1993, Rev. Jimmie Blair, along with his wife Christle, accepted the pastorate after serving as missionaries to the Philippines and Mongolia. During Pastor Blair's time at Trinity, our "new" building was planned and completed. The first service was held in it in August 1997. Pastor Blair retired in March 2011, having served longer than any other pastor in Trinity's history.

 

 Rev. Robert Culler was elected pastor on May 15, 2011.
His family includes his wife Krista (who grew up right here in Midlothian), and their children, Zach, Jeremy, Geoffrey, Aimee, & Casey.

    Rob, who grew up in Cecil County, MD, is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College. Prior to becoming pastor, he served as an associate at Trinity for 13 years in addition to teaching at Broadfording Christian Academy in Hagerstown, MD.