Not every church celebrates a 41st anniversary, but it was a special occasion Sunday morning at the Pottsville Foursquare Gospel Church as both current and past members welcomed several guest speakers, including Pastor Glenn Burris, president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and the local church's first pastor, Dave Wing.
"This is like us going into the Promised Land," Pastor Dave Poissant said. "The Jewish people spent 40 years in the desert and were able to celebrate during the 41st year."
Poissant said the church was unable to celebrate last year as it was transitioning between pastors at the time.
Just since last year, Poissant said attendance on Sunday has doubled to about 120 people each week. More than 250 people attended the service Sunday that featured worship music from the 4U Worship Team and the Bethlehem Hispanic Foursquare Church, and a video presentation highlighting the local church through the years.
Poissant said the Pottsville church is one of the oldest Foursquare Churches on the East Coast.
The local Foursquare Gospel Church first opened its doors on Sept. 1, 1971, under Pastor Dave Wing. Services were held in a local funeral home until the church bought the property on South Centre Street, now the location of Union Station. The church moved into its current location - 2300 W. Maha0ntongo St. - five years ago.
Wing guided the church for 18 years before moving to Ohio, where he continues to be a pastor. Pastor Rob McSurdy lead the church from 1986 to 1991, followed by Pastor Y. John Allen to 2003, and then Pastor Ed Babcock to last year. Poissant took over responsibility in August 2011.
"These people are great people. "What a privilege it is to be here again with all of you today," said Wing. "There's so many memories and it's just so wonderful to relive this today."
McSurdy and Babcock also participated in the event. A letter of appreciation from Allen was read. He was unable to attend as he now lives in Florida.
Also giving special remarks Sunday were Pastor Bill Orf of the Lighthouse Church, Orwigsburg, and Pastor Harriet Mouer, Mid-Atlantic District supervisor for the Foursquare Gospel Church.
Pastor Glenn Burris, president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, was the special guest speaker for Sunday's service and presented a plaque to Poissant, honoring the anniversary of the church. Glenn oversees churches around the world.
Several other pastors in attendance included Pastor Greg Mitchell, Muirp; Pastor Todd Dewier, Frackville, and Pastor Markus Huysson, Manila, Philippines.
"I believe that there is a story to tell about this church, but today is your story," Burris said. "Today, God is building his word through your leadership."
According to the church's website, the Foursquare Gospel Church was founded in 1922 by Aimee Sempl in California. She first used the term "Foursquare Gospel" to describe the four phases of Jesus's ministry - the Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and the Soon-coming King.
The headquarters for the Foursquare church is in Los Angeles.