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History of the First Assembly of God of Hermitage
The First Assemblies of God of Hermitage, Pennsylvania has evolved from the simple missionary job of the early 20th century into a large denomination that brings in around sixteen new visitors per week. In January of 2007, the church will be celebrating its 80th anniversary. From the original small Italian-speaking church, the church has developed greatly, growing to an impressive 699 members.

In the year 1927, two Italian women from New Castle, Pennsylvania, named Ann Miller and Almirina Catalani, struggled to begin an evangelical missionary service throughout the Shenango Valley, because of a calling from God. In an attempt to spread the evangelical Christian faith, they would go from door to door to offer religious knowledge, but often were rejected because of the religious tension that arose to the non-Catholics during the time. Many people felt that they were trying to disrupt their beliefs by coming to their homes. Oftentimes doors would be slammed in their faces because of the fact that they were considered lay-people, but this did not hinder them from spreading their religion around the region. When they finally attracted followers from their word, it would be in great quantities, since most families in that time contained around ten people. By this time, they would meet in homes to worship, but needed a pastor to lead the fellowship.

By April of 1927, Rev. Peter Bonafiglia became the pastor of the unnamed denomination, which would soon change to Assemblia Christiana, otherwise known as Christian Assembly. At this time they purchased the Polish Falcon home at 1013 Emerson Avenue in Farrell for $4500, and by 1929, they were able to start worship services. By 1937, the name of the church was documented as the Italian Christian church in the state of Pennsylvania along with other churches in Greenville and Meadville. 2

The services of that time, which gathered a small crowd of 150, began in the late evenings around 7:30 and could be timed easily into separate sections of worship. Though the services strayed away from the Catholic Church, the majority of the members were originally Catholic. From the beginning quote of the service by Rev. Bonafiglia “Abramil quista cunta in el nome di dio,” which translates in English to “We’ll open the service in the name of the lord,” to the end, the service would be in Italian and English. The reverend would speak the sermon first in Italian and then translate into English. During the time of praise and worship, songs would be sung and prayers would be spoken in Italian. Charles Sanitate and Tori Chiodo would conduct a live church band that played for each of the services. 2

During the 1940s, Sunday school courses were formed to meet the needs of the younger children and teenagers that attended the church. Most of the time, the teachers would read the bible and give their own person interpretation of the material. As Pete Sanitate, original member and resident of Wheatland, Pennsylvania states, “…everybody doesn’t have the same interpretation of the bible, sometimes we need a little help.” This rising issue caused Reverend Bonafiglia to require guidelines for the Sunday school courses. 2

By the late 1940s, a group called the Board of Trustees was formed and was responsible for how the church was run and how payments were made. The treasurer, Michael Cagno Sr., would handle the finances, such as frequent tithing or donations made. Minutes were written in Italian to keep track of financial records and the progress of the church, which at the time was becoming a healthy church. Remodeling of the inside of the Polish Falcons Hall and building of the baptistery introduced baptism and new areas for Sunday schooling and other studies. Though much of the church spoke Italian, toward the mid-1950s, many people wanted to change the services to English, causing Reverend Bonafiglia to resign his position.

Reverend Guy Bongiovanni became the leading pastor and the church was renamed Farrell Christian Assembly. 3 The services were spoken only in English and the services shortened. At this time, many groups were formed, such as the Brigades for young boys and Christianettes for young girls. The church also became more involved in organized programs such as Mission conventions and Kid’s Crusades. Reverend Bongiovanni was an energetic person, advocated that the church be more active in community activities, and become involved with other various denominations by attending seminars and meetings. After about 15 years of being pastor, Reverend Bongiovanni resigned his position to become the Missions Director of the Christian Church of North America, otherwise known as the CCNA.

Rev. Joseph Magliato, who would be explained as “young and vibrant” took the position of the new pastor. The church services became more humorous and shortened yet again, so that the people would be entertained as well as interested in what the sermon was about. He made children’s bible story records and went into the radio industry, but had a calling to go to California to spread the Word in a group called the Amazing Prophecy. 2 Between 1975 and 1979, the minister of that caused a major division in the church since people did not agree with his teachings, though some considered him a “High Priest.”

When Nat Sagenerio and Eugene Carver were pastors of the church, the church continued to prosper monetarily. Tithes and offerings had become a major factor of the financial growth and the church had a more small country family oriented feeling. Much like the surrounding churches, they supported missions, sending missionaries to different countries around the world.

By 1989, Pastor Larry Haynes became the new leader of the church and decided to change the affiliation to the First Assembly of God, since views had changed. He had a vision of a large congregation with more services. From the inviting environment provided, he church expanded at a great rate and the denomination needed to expand in building size as well. Before the church ever moved to Hermitage, the name The First Assembly of God of Hermitage name was assigned to the church because of the plans to move the church to the city of Hermitage. 2

By 1997, Rev. Larry Haynes resigned his position and Pastor Ken Martin became the new pastor and remains in the position to the present day. Much of the music and worship that was prevalent in the early years of the church is still present in today’s church. Many more members joined the newly built church and many more are still joining at a rising rate. 2