evangelchicago

 

 

 HISTORY OF EVANGEL

 

The Pentecostal experience that began in an upper room many years ago reached down into 
the Northside of Chicago over 80 years ago.  The hungry hearts of many German people were 
the recipients at that time.  Out of three different missions - from Otto Street, Howe Street and 
Belmont Avenue - a congregation of German, "Spirit-filled believers" were prompted to 
construct a house of worship.  In the fall of 1925, the building was completed, located at 
1941 West Belmont. The church was called BELMONT GOSPEL CHURCH.
 
As the attendance increased, more room and facilities were needed.  The building next door to 
the church was purchased and renovated by the men and women of the church.  It served as 
the Sunday School facilities and Fellowship Hall.  
 
In 1975, we acquired the properties located at 5100-5110 West Diversey Avenue, formerly 
known as Calvary Temple (Oakbrook Christian Center) and Chicago Christian Academy.  
The Lord moved upon the hearts of members and friends of our church, so that with their 
gifts and sizable loans, it was not necessary to seek outside loans from banks or other 
lending institutions.
 
On November 16, 1975, the first serve was held in our newly acquired property.  On this momentous 
occasion we became EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD.  Pastors in the life of this local body have been 
Rev. Fred Link, Rev. Walter Werk, Rev. Louis Drewitz, Rev. G. F. Zeller, Rev. Arthur Bergholz, Rev. 
Arthur Klaus, Rev. David Robinson, and our present pastor, Rev. Ray Berryhill, who began serving in 
December, 1992.  
 
On May 29, 2005, in efforts to have the vision of our church reflected in our name, we became 
EVANGEL WORLD OUTREACH CENTER, as Evangel is now going to the world and the world
has come to Evangel.  We are reaching the world with the Gospel, and reaching out to the nations 
with intentionality.  
 
Since our inception in 1925, many have been born again and healed of various diseases and illnesses 
by the Spirit of God.  Young and old alike have been filled with the Holy Ghost as recording in Acts 2:4.  
Couples have been joined in Holy Matrimony, babies have been dedicated to the Lord, and the saints 
who have passed on were brought to the church for a final service before they were laid to rest.  
 
Although the past all seems like one big miracle, the greatest miracle is yet unfolding before our eyes.  
What began as a German mission, through the wisdom and sovereign will of Almighty God, has become 
"A House of Prayer For All Nations."
 
Surely, this is the Lord's work; it is marvellous in our eyes.  Members of this congregation representing 
more than 40 nations of the world, gather together each week to "CELEBRATE JESUS."  In a time where 
many have chosen to leave, we have determined to remain, shining as a beacon light in an area that 
desperately needs the Gospel of Christ.
 
As we offer worship and praise unto God, and effective ministry to God's people, may we continue to 
experience the fulfilment of the scripture..."And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw ALL men 
unto me."  John 12:32 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

AG.org News & Information

  • Milwaukee Teen Challenge -- bucking the trend

    While other organizations struggled, the Milwaukee Teen Challenge doubled its capacity.

  • Convoy of Hope aids Louisiana

    For the five-year anniversary of Katrina and to aid oil-spill victims, Convoy of Hope recently sent an outreach team and 40,000 pounds of groceries to Louisiana. Outreaches were held on three consecutive nights to serve hundreds of people.

  • This week in AG history -- September 6, 1947

    Featured in this week's September 6, 1947, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel are articles by Samuel S. Scull, John Wright Follette, Ernest S. Williams, Seth C. Rees and others!

  • Minister, missions visionary Dan Sheaffer dies

    Dr. Dan Sheaffer, the former pastor of Crossroads Cathedral (AG) in Oklahoma City, known for effectively raising millions for AG missions and AG higher education, passed away Thursday.

  • Fisherman back on feet, thanks to Convoy, MAPS

    Jimmy Morgan, an oyster fisherman from Louisiana, had his house and boat destroyed by Katrina in 2005. Hundreds of church groups, MAPS teams, Convoy of Hope teams and volunteers headed to the region to help families like the Morgans get back on their feet.