The History of Oak Cliff Assembly of God Church

1921

The humble beginning of the Oak Cliff Assembly of God had its start in 1921 when a young Pentecostal evangelist named Will Bolen^[3] came to the Oak Cliff area from Dallas proper (from what was called “Old 4^th and Grand Church”), and held an open-air meeting.  The location was on a vacant lot in the area of what was known as Thomas Hill, at Morrell and Harlandale streets.

After the close of the open-air meeting, Will Bolen later returned with a canvas tent, and erected it in the area of Clarendon and Ewing streets, near the present location of the Dallas City Zoo.

After the close of the services, prayer meetings were then begun both in the home of Joe Nelson and also Sister Rape, whose home was on Waco Street, again located in the area of “Thomas Hill.”  Early meetings were held in the home of William and Mattie Summers on Claude Street.

By deduction, probable attendees of the revival might have included: Joe Nelson at Morrell and Harlandale streets, Sister Rape from Waco St., Eva Nunn, William G. and Mattie Summers on Claude St.  Joe Glover was probably early on.  Old Dad Burnett certainly knew of it nearby, for he sold his property to the soon to be church.  All lived on Thomas Hill.  Other early old-timers according to Pastor Coyle, included the rest of the Summers family, Joe and Maud Durham, the W.R. Oliver’s, Mother Allen and a number of others, especially the Davis family. Long time members, the Faust’s, didn’t come until about 1930.  ~`jnh

1921-1922

The result of these first prayer meetings brought the beginning church their first pastor, Reverend George W. Pitts, who first held services in his home, 1921-1922.  Later in this period, a tent was set up in the front yard of Joe Nelson’s at Morrell and Harlandale.  In this same tent, Brother Pitts set up regular Sunday school classes and regular church services and continued pastoring in the tent during the winter of 1922, when the Reverend Floyd Baker came as the new pastor.  Kerosene lights served to illuminate the tent until neighbor Joe Glover invited the congregation to plug into his new electric circuit.

There were few conveniences.  A local undertaker sent over some hand fans to help ward off the summer heat.  Out in front, strangers gathered to sit concealed by the darkness and watch the singing and the preaching.  Eventually, some joined in, but there was much persecution of these early meetings.  (See above).  That was how it all began.

Winter of 1922

Reverend Baker continues the regular services on through the winter (1922), bracing and retying the tent every time the wind blew.  As the tent deteriorated, the people gathered into the home, on Claude Street, of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Summers (parents of the Summer’s children).  People still gathered, even with the oppression of the winter cold.  During hot summer days, they moved from the living room to the porch, to remain a bit cooler.  Soon, the worshippers were overflowing the large Summers’ porch and living room. 

1923

In the spring of 1923, there was a plea to obtain grounds for a permanent church.  Although there were only a few people attending, these few people sacrificially gave toward the purchase of site, and many gave themselves to daily intercessory prayer.  The women put feet to their prayers, and canvassed the whole hill area (Thomas Hill) for donors—both “saints” and unsaved alike.  The fabulous sum (at the time) of $100 was finally gathered from this task and from which the first site was purchased at Beverly Avenue (now Morrell Street) and Fleming Street from old Dad Burnett.

Reverend Baker and the people began building the first church, a 30’ by 40’ frame building.  All of the labor was donated.  This white frame building became known as Beverly Avenue Pentecostal Church.

By year, in summary, the following became the succeeding pastors, including some events in their ministry:

1924-1925

Reverend Milton Summers pastors the church.

During the Great depression, the church continued to grow, even though the nation was commercially at a standstill.  Much of the church’s dynamic growth can be traced back to the fervor of its believers.

1926

Reverend Willie Dunn pastored the church.  Somewhere during this period (1926-1927), Beverly Avenue was paved and was renamed Morrell Street.  The church name was then changed to Oak Cliff Pentecostal Church.

1927

Reverend Finis Jennings Dake, born 1902, and died in 1987, writer and editor of the famous Dake Bibles and many other books, pastored the church for a short time in 1927 when he was about 25 years old, bringing his vast knowledge of scripture to the pulpit.  He is sometimes considered to only have been an interim pastor of the church, filling in only until a new pastor could be located, but may have accepted a term of one year, which he did not complete, after a new pastor was found – jnh.  Others, over the years, have spelled his name differently (Phineas, Phynus, etc.), but the above spelling is now commonly accepted as the correct spelling.

He was the uncle of longtime church member, Mary McAfee (McCutchan), wife of Caleb McAfee.  Her parents lived a long time in Waxahachie, and worked for Southwestern Bible Institute  in Enid, Oklahoma, and Waxahachie, at various times over the years.

Although Dake attended Bible School, some teachers were awed at his surpassing knowledge, but other teachers, he felt, held to confused teaching, so he decided to “believe what the Bible alone teaches.”^[4]  During that time in school, he began his famous, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible, from which, many of the doctrines of our denomination concerning the “End Days” were based.  One can only wonder if he was working on his famous Reference Bible even as he pastored our church.  He was filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 17, during the month of May 1920.  He also received a special anointing with regards to scripture, and taught nothing that he couldn’t prove with two or three plain scriptures.^[5]

1927

Reverend J.R. Richardson came to finish out the term of Finis Dake.  His fiery preaching and prayer, plus his hard work began to bring results.  The Sunday school attendance reached an all-time high of 76 people.

Also this year, the first 7-Eleven ever, was built in Oak Cliff, at the corner of Edgefield and 12^th Street^[6] (directly across from the school).  After being rebuilt several times, it finally shut down in the mid-nineties.

1928-1930

Reverend William E. Coyle pastored.  During this time, the Faust family joined the church.  They were the parents of Maymie (January), Naomi (Upchurch), and Edwina.

Here is an excerpt from a letter from Reverend Coyle, at age 90.

“Dear Oak Cliff Assembly: It stimulates my mind when I think of the old-timers of Thomas Hill, as it was known then.  There were the Summers family, Joe and Maud Durham, the W.R. Oliver’s, Mother Allen and a number of others, especially the Davis family.  I served this church, resigned, and went to a larger church—Bascom Assembly in Tyler, Texas.

“One scripture refers to a handful of corn on the top of the mountain.  Thomas Hill is very fitting here, being a handful of corn on the top of the mount which has grown into one of the largest Assemblies in the nation.”

W.E. Coyle

1931

This year, the Texas Theater (on Jefferson St) was opened in Oak Cliff to much fanfare by Howard Hughes, but, our church members were not supposed to go there, except to witness!  Attending movie theaters, by in large, was still considered a sin by our fellowship.

1930-1934

Reverend Clifford Andrews brought the foundation of the Word, and enlarged the frame building, and added a Baptistery.  The name of the church changed once again.  It was recommended to drop the word, “Pentecostal” from the name, due to such variations of other Pentecostal faiths, thus the church became “Oak Cliff Full Gospel Church.”

Pastor Andrews taught the people how to tithe and to give liberally.  He also taught holiness.  Paralleling this teaching was the basic and fundamental Word of God.  The church began to pray, and as it grew strong in faith and the Word, to begin to grow numerically.

The church and the people were well respected during these years due to good moral character, and because Christ was evident in their lives.  The church’s reputation was also influenced by their continual jail services and the spiritual conversions of inmates and law officers.

The church has always had a joyous, praying, revivalistic flair.  One time, Reverend Andrews had a sign painted and erected south of town, to advertise the church.  The sign painter was instructed to letter: “We Believe In Heart Felt Religion.”  He misspelled the word Heart, so that the sign read: “We Believe In Heat Felt Religion.”  This sign stood for many years on Lancaster Road as a testimony of the church’s zeal.  Finally, it was corrected^[7] to read, “Heart Felt Religion.”  But, the congregation still remained “on fire.”

During Brother Andrew’s tenure, Raymond Hamilton, brother of (Pretty Boy) Floyd Hamilton, had been saved in the church’s jail services, and asked Brother Andrews to accompany him to his execution.  Pastor Andrews afterwards stated, “I never want to experience an execution like this again, ever!”

However, he also conducted Raymond’s funeral afterwards, and was later called upon to conduct the funerals (1934) of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker—aka, “Bonnie and Clyde.”

1932

This was the year that the Grover and Mollie Wallace family began to attend the church, along with their children, Frances, and Vera Mae.  Mollie Wallace found the Lord at a tent revival being held at The State Fair Park this year, sponsored by Brother Albert Ott, of Peak and Garland Church.  Charles S. Price was the evangelist.  Also, her two daughters were led to the Lord.  Soon after, Pastor Andrews and Sister Alford held a tent meeting also, near “the hill” at the corner of South Ewing and 13^th Street, near enough that the Wallace family could hear them singing, every night, the standard song, “Yes, I know!”  So, the family decided to attend that revival also.

Afterwards, Grover (who had not found the Lord yet) told the family that he would take them up to the little church up on “the hill,” 919 Morrell, where Brother Andrews was the pastor, that was “close by.”  Soon, the entire Wallace family became a staple of the church.

1934-1939

During these years, the church was pastored under the leadership of the remarkable Reverend Jordan Carl “J.C.” Hibbard.  He had been born in Navasota, Texas on January 16^th, 1907^[8].  He had pastored several other places in Texas, previously.  After Brother Andrews left, Bro Hibbard was invited to try out for the pastorate, and he was voted in, and the church really began to grow.  There had been a mighty revival held in Dallas by Aimee Simple McPherson, and the 13-year-old congregation wanted a new pastor with fire, and felt Bro. Hibbard fit the bill.

The church went on the air for its first time, on Radio Station WRR.  A young girl’s singing trio was introduced.  The singers were members, Maymie Faust (January), Frances Wallace (Robinson), and Dorothy Summers (Gaylor), who composed the first trio.  Reverend Hibbard brought faith, and taught the people to pray, and how to pray.

During his tenure, the frame church was enlarged yet again.  In a matter of a few years, the attendance grew to the point that a new building was needed, and certain.  The old “add-to” frame building became too small, was moved intact a short distance away, and a new building begun.  It was a lighthouse dream design, drafted by Reverend Hibbard.  However, he did not get the chance to complete it.

1934

In 1934, Dovie Dawson joined the church, bringing her children Cozadene and Goldie along with her.  Cozadene writes of this time:

“This was at the end of the Great depression, and Brother J.C. Hibbard had just come to pastor the church.  We had a large group of young people; however, since we did not have a TV, our entertainment consisted of going to the jail service on Sunday evening, going to the stamps-Baxter Singing School, going to the Dallas Zoo, going to the Fair Park to ride bicycles, and going to White Rock Lake on picnics.  We did not have a TV; neither did we have electric dishwashers, electric washer and dryer, or an electric refrigerator (or ice box) as we called it back then.” ~ CM

1937

This year, Pastor Hibbard had a group of around 20 from the congregation who participated in his radio ministry, including Lloyd and Sam Godwin, father and uncle of Pastor David Godwin.

1939

Pastor Hibbard left the church this year, and began to pioneer another church.  Somewhere around thirty to forty members left our church to join Bro Hibbard’s newly formed independent Pentecostal church, the Full Gospel Lighthouse.  (They met in a large tent for around a year, until other accommodations could be obtained).  A few also left the church completely, but a strong core of believers, although diminished in size, remained at the Thomas Hill site.  They began to pray, and sought the Lord for a new pastor.  Two great works grew out of this period; Pastor Hibbard’s church, which became at one time, one of the largest independent Pentecostal churches in the world; and our own successful Oak Cliff Assembly of God Church, which continued to blossom and grow in order to minister to the world.  While he left the Assemblies, Bro Hibbard still fellowshipped with Assembly ministers, and had many of them on his staff at his large church.  Some of his best friends were A/G minister, Rev. W. Glenn Mangrum, present Pastor Tom Wilson’s father-in-law, and Evangelist David Nunn, one of our longtime members.

1939-1942

In 1939, after Brother Hibbard left, Charles Robinson was voted into the church.  Reverend Charles C. Robinson came during a time when the church truly needed a good, warm-hearted shepherd, and he was just that.  (As an example): A young girl named Doris Brown (McNellis) who suffered from a heart murmur and rheumatic fever at the time, came to him when she felt her problems starting up again, and asked him to please pray for her.  Tears began to pour from his eyes, and he said, “Oh, you dear little girl,” and he took her face in his hands, and began to pray.  Doris said that after she got home, she found that the Lord had healed her.

Rev. Robinson was born in Alabama in 1874.  He had been a traveling evangelist for the Nazarene Church.  He continued to be a prominent Nazarene camp meeting preacher, until he received the Holy Ghost, and then he was forced to leave the Nazarene church.  So, he joined a newly formed group, called the Assemblies of God, and became a camp meeting speaker for them.  He had met his wife, Mattie, about 1900 at a church that he was speaking at in Central Texas.  She was the organist for the church.  Mattie’s family was British blue bloods, and she was disowned by the family for marrying a commoner.  They had seven children, total.

Their first-born son was accidentally killed in a gun accident before he was 20.  Their next son, Treadgill, became a truck driver.  Next in line, was Ruth.  The older children remained Nazarenes, but Ruth became Spirit filled, and married an A/G evangelist, Rev. Keetah Jones.

Much later in their lives (they were in their forties), Rev. Charles and Mattie had three more sons.  Charles was a photographer, and had a studio in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he spent his entire adult life.  Son Johnny became an evangelist, and married Ann.  Their next son, Harmon, married Frances Wallace, daughter of Grover and Mollie.  In fact, Harmon and Frances were the first to marry in the lighthouse church, even tho it had not yet been completed.  At that time, the church still had sawdust floors.  (After work on the church had been pronounced complete, Spencer and Maymie (Faust) January were the first to marry in the new facilities).

World War II had been declared, and many changes took place.  In the process of continuing the construction of the new building, the church, which had previously joined the Assemblies of God now changed its name to “Oak Cliff Assembly of God.”

Also, perhaps it was felt that it would help avoid name confusion with Bro Hibbard’s new effort (both churches were in Oak Cliff) the Full Gospel Lighthouse, whose name was similar to ours (Oak Cliff Full Gospel Church), and as we also had a lighthouse theme.

However, building materials were short, and men had left in service^[9] to their country.  The new building stood incomplete awaiting their men and country.  Thus, further construction was abandoned at this time.  The congregation was loyal, and continually prayed for their men and country.  The new building stood incomplete, waiting for the men to return home from the war.

1941

The Ruby and Carl Featherston family began to attend Oak Cliff in 1941.  This was also the year that their daughter, Willie Jo (Taylor), gave her heart to the Lord, at age 12.  She later married David Byron Taylor (who came from Oklahoma City to work at LTV) in 1952, one of many couples married by Bro. Noah, and they continue to attend the church to this day, as of 2005.  David and Willie Jo Taylor served the church in many capacities, committee boards and choir members, CA directors, Sunday school teachers, Deacon (for over 25 years) and Usher, held ladies prayer group meetings in their homes for 15 years, and as recently as 2003, they held a small group in their home, and are greeters still.

1942

In 1942, Brother Robinson was called to pastor a church in Malvern, Arkansas, and the church soon elected Brother Alcorn.  Mattie died in her seventies, but Rev. Charles C. Robinson lived to be 96, dying in 1970 due to complications from sugar diabetes.  He lost both of his legs in the last few years of his illness.  But prior to that, he was a teacher of Theology at the Southwestern Assemblies of God College campus in Waxahachie, when he could no longer travel all the time.

1942-1945

Reverend Carl Alcorn, who came to the church during the war years, was dynamic and fearless in doctrines and beliefs.  Although building materials and men were still short, under Bro Alcorn’s leadership, the new church building was completed and the congregation moved in.  The new sanctuary was dedicated on December 27^th, 1942, presided over by Reverend Alcorn.  The sanctuary was built on the site of the first tent revival.  During his tenure, Revered Alcorn performed the first formal wedding in the newly completed church building, that of Spencer and Maymie January.

The Radio Ministry was extended to add Radio Station KSKY, and along with this, the introduction of a second singing trio, Doris McNellis, Naomi Upchurch, and Benna Camp.  Sunday school attendance reached 200, and then 300 during this period.  Many other events took place also.

Reverend Wayne Harbaugh was the Assistant Pastor during 1944-1945.

In 1945, Brother Alcorn had to leave.  Sister McCutchan suggested Rev. Noah as the next pastor, as she had met and had gotten to know him at SBI, where she and her husband had taught.  She told the church board, “If you haven’t found your new pastor yet, I know of the perfect person!”  Reverend Hal Cambria Noah became the next pastor, continued the radio ministry, and formed yet another trio, consisting of Sandra McNellis, Sylvia Brazell, and Sandra Curtis (the 3^rd radio trio).  Bro Noah has mentioned that at this time the church attendance had fallen to somewhere around 169 to 229, when he took over.  Harmon Robinson, who had been an Air Force Pilot during the war, soon took Brother Noah up on his first airplane ride.  Brother Noah was quoted as saying, “It was quite scary!”  But, he really seemed to have enjoyed it.

During these days, families had organized children’s groups held in different people’s homes.  Sometimes, there were 15 to 20 children in a home, and they had a wonderful time learning about Jesus.

Pastor Noah received his schooling in Iowa.  Later, he attended Southwestern Bible School in Enid, Oklahoma for a short time, until a life threatening illness forced him to quit.

During his time of pastoring, he preached in several countries in Europe and Central America.  At one time, he was the chaplain at Veteran’s Hospital, in what was once the old Lisbon Town section, of the city, that merged with Oak Cliff.  He was often a guest speaker at camp meetings, seminars, dedications, fellowship meetings, and C.A. rallies.  He served for a time as a member of the Foreign Missions Board of the Assemblies of God

Sharing his philosophy of church growth, Pastor Noah said, “The three most important keys to church growth would be inspiration, instruction, and involvement.  Inspiration is getting people saved and showing them by the Word of God how they can live the victorious christian life.  Instruction is the Word of God, building them up in the most holy faith.  Involvement concerns those who have come involved in the building of the Kingdom of God and finding their place in the Body of Christ.”

“The Reverend H. C. Noah was divinely led to the church in 1945.”  ~ Excerpt from The Stature of Christ

* * *

“Brother H.C. Noah came to pastor Oak Cliff Assembly at the end of the war in 1945.  We had some of our largest revivals during Brother Noah’s pastorate of 33 years.”  ~ CM 

“I’m reminded of the early beginning of God’s chosen people through Abraham, for we often read of his wanderings and sojourns while dwelling in tents.  It was in tents that Oak Cliff Assembly of God church had its beginnings, and in tents that Oak Cliff had its mighty revivals.”

 ~ Spencer January, 1981

Winter of 1946

Evangelist Anna B. Locke came to Oak Cliff in the winter of 1946 for a revival meeting.  It was cold, the weather was bad, and every thing seemed determined that no revival would be had.

However, as Rev. Noah has often said, “If for no other reason, her coming was of great value, for it was (World Evangelist) David Nunn, Sr., that gave his heart in surrender to God during that meeting.”

David Nunn^[10] was born the eleventh child of Henry and Eva Nunn.  Eva, his mother, was one of the several first attendees of the Oak Cliff Assembly of God, living nearby the church's Morrell location.  David Nunn grew up in the church, but drifted away from the Lord during his teenage years.  After being an aerial photographer on bombing raids during World War II, he returned to become a photographer for Sears in their downtown location.  Having become, in his own words, a womanizer, alcoholic, and gambler, he was invited by his sister Louise to attend a Monday night revival service at Oak Cliff in November of 1946.  The evangelist was a woman by the name of Anna B. Locke.  During the song service he fell under great conviction and ran down to the front giving his life to God.

Years later, Brother Noah told Brother Nunn that Sister Locke had believed the revival to have been a failure because of only two converts made.  Yet when you think of the over one million that answered his altar calls during his ministry, it would hardly be considered a failure.

David met and married Leona Hagood, and in 1950 was called into the evangelistic field.  By 1952 he had established his worldwide ministry of Bible Revival Evangelistic Association, with himself, Sister Nunn, and Brother Noah as his first board of directors.

Through the years David Nunn always considered Oak Cliff Assembly his home, whether he was attending or being asked to preach.  Brother Noah was always an integral part of his ministry, serving as a spiritual father and close personal friend.  And the church always supported him with financial gifts and friendship through the years.

When David Nunn passed away on April 15, 2003, he was still a member of Oak Cliff Assembly of God, having never changed his membership.

1946

The Allen family began to attend the church this year.

1946 or 1947

Jack Coe later held a revival in the church, and packed it out.  He, later on another event, erected a large tent in the parking lot of the church, and conducted a revival there.  In one of his meetings, the raising of a needed $100 was the break-though point—and the revival went on.

Reverend G.L. Johnson was the Assistant Pastor from 1947 to 1948.

1948

In 1948, at Pastor Noah’s invitation, Reverend Oral Roberts, founder of Oral Roberts University, brought his huge tent to Dallas, erected it near Burnett Field at the old baseball Park, Rebel Stadium, located at Colorado Street and R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35).  This was the stadium of Oak Cliff’s baseball team, The Dallas Eagles.  A black team called the Dallas Black Giants also played at Burnett Field.^[11]

Reverend Noah was totally instrumental in the bringing of the brethren of different churches together in a unity meeting.  The great success of this revival of mass healing meetings began a new era for this church and for the city of Dallas.  This was the beginning of revivals that swept through the world in mass healing meetings.  This was God’s beginning move for the decade of the 1950’s, calling many men into this particular field of evangelism.

Long-time member, Betty (Graves) Dempsey said of the tent revival, “I remember the Oral Roberts Crusade.  My parents and I attended the big tent set up.  It was so awesome.  That was the first time in my life I had seen anyone healed.  I remember people throwing down their crutches, blind eyes healed.  What a memory.  Brother Noah was so happy about that revival.”

Also this year in Oak Cliff, Wynnewood Village (a strip mall) was opened.  There were many notable stores there, including Lily Dobson’s very first dress shop.^[12]

1949

After this came Reverend O.L. Jaggers in 1949.  The meeting lasted an amazing 3 months; the church was packed out each night and later moved to the Fair Park Auditorium for more space.  Sunday School attendance reached 1,001.

It was during this time in 1949 that Reverend Gordon Lindsay had selected the city of Dallas for the first Voice of Healing Convention, inviting Brother Noah and other evangelists to participate.  He later moved the headquarters and center to Dallas.  The headquarters and establishment, including the newly formed Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI), a huge complex of headquarters and campus quarter’s buildings, are located at Kiest and R.L. Thornton Freeway.

Reverend David Nunn, in his ministry to this church, had pitched his tent several times at the church site, both at the old location at 919 Morrell, and also the newer Ann Arbor location, and then again on Forrest Avenue, Dallas.

The Reverend Mildred Wickes, a female evangelist, also pitched her tent in a combined unity meeting under the direction of Reverend H.C. Noah.

As a result of these dynamic preaching and healing meetings, Oak Cliff Assembly steadily grew.  It seemed that each time of meeting, the church was filled to the saturation point that other churches in the same area would also grow simultaneously.  “In other words, God just blessed all of Dallas and the surrounding area.” (Spencer January).

“Some of the other large revivals were held by the late A.A. Allen, T.L. Osborn, Evangelist and Mrs. G.B. McDowell, Evangelists Kenny Foreman and Bob Bryson, Evangelist Quintin Edwards, Jimmy Swaggart, John McDuff, along with Roger and Coleman McDuff, who made up “The McDuff Brothers,” Jerry B. Walker, Marvin Schmitt, Morris Cerello, Robert Fierro, W.V. Grant, Sr. and many, many others.  Dan and Fern Ronsisvalle held a large Vacation Bible School in 1959.”   ~ CM

1953-1954

Reverend Roy H. Stewart pastored for 18 months during Reverend Noah’s short resignation period while ministering as a national evangelist.

1953

In 1953, Sam and Sue Monzingo moved to Dallas from Waco, to attend SMU’s School of insurance Marketing.  While living in Waco, Sam and Sue were very active in seven Assembly of God churches.  Sometime after they moved to Dallas, they began to attend church at the Morrell location, and have been active teaching for 47 years as of 2005.  At Oak Cliff, they were active in the following ministries:

Junior Boys, three years; College and Career Class, eleven years; Single Adult Sunday School Class of Dallas, eighteen years.  The name was changed to Adult Bible Class of Dallas (ABCD) in 1990, so both singles and couples could attend.  While the adult class began under Bro Noah’s tenure, and was sponsored by the church for many years, it became a freestanding ministry at the urging of Bro Wilson, since it was already an established ministry.

Around 1994, Talmage and Naomi Upchurch joined the Adult ministry’s staff, and have been there for over ten years.

Additionally, Sam was a deacon for the church for approximately 20 years, finance Chairman for the new church facilities at Ann Arbor and I-35, and was the President of the Men’s Ministries on a couple of occasions.  Their children are Susan Marcontell and Sandra McCune.

1954

Gayle Jackson held a tent crusade around 1954.

1954-1978

Reverend H.C. Noah returned as pastor and became instrumental in the church’s most phenomenal growth up to that point.  It was through his vision and leadership that Oak Cliff Assembly of God Church grew steadily stronger.

Continually, new buildings and enlargements of the existing lighthouse facilities at the old location, 919 Morrell Street, were continual in effort to house the growing congregation.  Sister Maymie Faust held a large Ladies Sunday school class (I believe in one of the added portable buildings – jnh), and Brother Noah led the Men’s Sunday school class up in the balcony of the Morrell location.

Oak Cliff Assembly became known nationally, then internationally.  God was doing things.  Oak Cliff was often foremost in missions giving and s missionary supporters.  In 1981, Oak Cliff A/G supported 55 foreign missionaries and 12 Assembly of God Agencies and Missions Boards.  Reverend Noah’s leadership as pastor lasted 33 years of faithful ministry, until his resignation/retirement from Senior Pastor in 1978.  He became Pastor Emeritus unanimously by the new incoming pastor and the church body.

The foundation of Oak Cliff Assembly since the beginning has always been built on prayer, of which, there was a cadre of women in our church who, at the Thomas Hill location, gave themselves over to constant prayer.  Following is a compilation of those remarkable women.  ~` jnh

“Although this list is far from complete, following is a collected list of known constant “Prayer Warriors” from the old Thomas Hill Church.  As of 2005, they have all gone on to their reward except for Clara Ables, Cleatis Svoboda, and Rev. Opal Hall.

“Maymie Faust, mother of Maymie January and Naomi Upchurch, and Edwina; Dovie Dawson, mother of Cozadene Martin and Goldie Fuston; Sister Summers, mother of Dorothy Gaylor; Ruby Thurmond-Brown, mother of Doris McNellis, Barbara, and Marcus; Clara Ables, mother of Barbara Huffman and Billy; Mollie Wallace, mother of Frances Robinson; Clara Rodgers, mother of Nona Murphy and Doug Rodgers; Alma Rushing, mother of Elaine Powell and Eugene; Viola Day, mother of Maxine Reynolds and several other children; Nellie Lusk, mother of Daisy Hardin, Viola Oliver, mother of Melba Jean Turner, and Mary Lois; Juanita Parker, mother of Linda Noah-Lamb, Vedah January, mother of Spencer January, Carrie Rudd; Mother Stanley; Cleatis Svoboda; Hattie Miller; Mother Allen; Sister Holland; and Reverend Opal L. Hall, mother of George Hall, Jr., Harry Hall, Reverend Charles Hall, John Hall, Bonnie Hall, and Grace Williams, and who still has prayer meetings at her home.”  ~ CM

1956

Oak Cliff voted itself dry this year (December 15^th).^[13]  The campaign was supported by many ministers in the Oak Cliff area.  (If you know anything about Bro. Noah’s involvement in this campaign, please send me a note – jnh)

1957

This is the year of the great tornado, which hit Oak Cliff, and came close to the church at about 3:00 pm.  (Note: if you were at the church that day, please send me a note detailing what went on at the church that day, thanks – jnh)

1958

This year in July or August, Oak Cliff Assembly raised $1,600 for the down payment on the Iloilo Project, answering a great need at Iloilo, Philippines, where a powerful revival began, under the Winning the Nations Crusade, directed by Gordon Lindsay, W.V. Grant, David J. du Plessis, Richard Vinyard, Velmer Gardner, Sam Todd, Morris Cerullo, R.W. Culpepper, James Dunn, David Nunn, Carmine Di Biase, and Jack Moore.  A large tabernacle was available, but a large down payment was needed.  As Morris Cerullo presented the need to Oak Cliff at the close of the service, the entire sum was given or pledged within a few minutes time.

Also, Bro Noah was included as part of the group of ministers during the Mid-Year Voice of Healing Convention held this year.

Dwight and Mary Frances Weitner came to the church this year, and left in 1967.  During this time, Bro. Weitner formed our local Assembly’s Royal Rangers program.

1959

It was about this year that Rev Oliver and Opal Hall, along with their family, began to attend Oak Cliff at the Morrell location, after Rev Hall gave up his pastorate, Friendly Assembly, in West Dallas, due to health reasons.  While Rev Hall, a confidant of Pastor Noah’s, only attended Oak Cliff for nine years until his death in 1968, his wife, Rev Opal Hall is notable within the congregation for several reasons.  A year or two after they switched to Oak Cliff, she became burdened for the children, so she began the Children’s Church program at Oak Cliff (it was later taken over by Sister Lavern Frederick, who expanded the ministry).  This program has continued over the years until the present.  While her children have come and gone over the years, Sister Hall has remained a steady member of the church into the present, for over forty-five years.  Describe as a prayer warrior (one who bombards heaven with prayer) by many, she was active in the Women’s prayer meetings, and held prayer meetings in her home also for many women in the church.  As of 2005, ladies (and some men) still attend prayer meetings in her home.

1960

In 1960, God impressed Rev. Noah to begin looking elsewhere for new property to relocate the church.  Several ministers and some of the local church members felt this superfluous at the time but God was in it, knowing the future.  The new property was soon located and purchased.  The present site of the Ann Arbor location remains on this property, originally a 25-acre site.  Interstate Highway 35E was proposed about this time, with the State requiring about 7-acres of right-of-way.  The sale of this portion provided the money to begin planning for a new building, and in the end, the relocation.

After buying its way out of the first selected architects, the church in turn bought a package plan from Roe Mesner, a General Contractor.  This plan called for a “turn-key” job to completion for only $484,000 basic.  The price for this plan was much less than proposed, and in the end, more beautiful.  A church member, Brother R. J. Rushing, an able builder, was Superintendent of Construction, constructed a church of inspiring beauty, consisting of Colonial style red brick.

1961

Executives of the Assemblies of God began to feel a need for a ministry for boys, and contacted Johnny Barnes to put together a program.

It was about this time that the Royal Rangers of Oak Cliff Assembly was formed at the Morrell location under the original leader and Outpost Commander, Bro. Weitner.  Supreme Commander Johnny Barnes had just formed the National Royal Rangers at Springfield’s Assembly of God headquarters in October of 1962, and our church was one of the early leaders to adopt the program (the Royal Rangers was officially launched by announcements and articles in the Pentecostal Evangel), which imitated the style of the Boy Scouts of America, but with a christian focus.  The Royal Rangers offered an outdoors, spiritual-life program for the boys.

Even though the youngest age group of the original Outpost at the time was the Pioneers, age 9 to 12 (Buckaroos came later on), two younger boys were also allowed to join the pioneers at the very first meeting of the group.  Bro Weitner’s son, David Weitner, and John Hall, who were both still seven or eight years old, and were the youngest to join the newly chartered group at Morrell.  Both boys (David at another church, where Brother Weitner took over as Outpost Commander), and several others stayed in the group until they in turn became Commanders.

In 1963, construction began on our new sanctuary, and after completion, the move was made to the new church at the Ann Arbor location on August 9^th, 1964.  But, continual growth demanded even more building at the sight over the years.  During 1963, at the request of Reverend Noah, Cozadene Martin joined the staff as Bookkeeper and Receptionist, joining Pastor Noah, music Minister Talmage Upchurch, and Social Worker Sister Maymie D. Faust.  David Noah, Sr., was the Maintenance Superintendent at this time, and continued in that position for many years, until beginning his own concrete construction company business.  Last to be mentioned, but not least, was volunteer worker, Billy Joe Kelly, who watched over the cars in the parking lot for so many years.  Bro Kelly was exceptionally notable among all the volunteer workers at the church, for his faithfulness.

Cozadene writes concerning the small paid staff, “We did not have computers back then, but we did manage to get all of the work done.”

This time was also a time of upheaval in Dallas, as this was the year that President Kennedy was shot, and his killer fled (and was caught) in Oak Cliff.

Dr. Raymond T. Brock was the Associate Pastor and Minister of christian Education during the early to mid-60’s.

Reverend Don Franklin was the minister of Education, and during the mid 60’s until the early 70’s, taking the place of Reverend Raymond T. Brock.  He also became very involved with, and coordinated the Oak Cliff Royal Ranger Program.

Also during the 60’s, future pastor, Tom Wilson, connected with the church as a young evangelist.

1963

Brother Noah would often tell the congregation stories from the pulpit about his father, David Noah, and how much he was concerned about him.  Following is a letter from his father on September 9^th, 1963, that may have possibly been the one that Pastor Noah once read excerpts from, to the congregation:

“Dear folks, Greetings in Jesus name.  Hope all are well.  I’m much better again, but don’t know for how long, but I’ve been feeling pretty good for a few days now.

“My landlord got converted and was baptized last Sunday—that helps me feel better, and also the (name deleted), and (name deleted) have moved away.  Maybe I will get things cleaned up around here yet.  Pray for me that I can do more for the Lord.

“I’m sending out birthday cards to you and Steve today, hoping you both have a Happy Birthday.  It’s only been a short time to me, since you boys would run to meet me, and get the bucket to see what I had left for you!  Pray for me that I will be faithful to the Lord, that some time you will come running to meet me in Heaven.

“As these birthdays come, they bring back old memories to me (of) how sweet my family’s have been to me all through life.  I’m very thankful that God gave me such a wonderful wife (Viola Noah - jnh) and children.  I want to do all I can for him, the years have passed by fast, but there will come a time when there will be no end.

“I got a letter from Lyle, they are O.K.  Steve’s and (Lavanna) Coons’, Lavada’s (Keehay) also are well.  May God bless all.

“Close with lots of love,

                                                “From Dad

“(I’m in a hurry)”

1964

August 9^th, 1964 was the moving in date, and Grand Opening for the 110 Ann Arbor location of the church.  The new facility was dedicated the following Sunday, August 16^th, 1964, with the start of a new revival led by Reverend John McDuff, who was billed then as “One of America’s Most Unusual Evangelists.”

Addendum 1 – Reader beware, following are the jaded and faded memories of an eight-year-old child, filtered through the ancient cobwebs of time for over forty years.  This info can only qualify as (possibly apocryphal) legend, and should not be accepted as fact, until such time as it can be verified, if ever.  However, I hate for it to be forgotten, just in case some clues can be garnered from the story I recall.

I remember my father getting a letter from my grandfather, asking him (the Reverend George “Oliver” Hall) to take him to see several different sites of significance to Oak Cliff Assembly, the next time he visited.  When I asked my father why, he said that Grandpa had known Will Bolen, who led the revival that started Oak Cliff.  Lee and Will, along with another young fellow (as yet, unidentified), had traveled the hills of the Ozarks as Brush Arbor preachers for two years, 1908 and 1909, and were quite well known in the area.  Soon after that, the Bolen family left the area.

When my grandfather visited, he mentioned that Will had written him in California, and asked him if he wanted to be part of the tent revival, “just like the good ol’ days.”  My grandfather, the Reverend George “Lee” Hall, who was an ordained Assemblies of God Minister at the time, but who no longer ministered fulltime, was foreman of a ranch in Tulare County of California at the time, and having a growing family, turned him down.  He told my father that he always regretted that decision for a chance to get back into the ministry fulltime.

I believe that I was told (having been led to him by Spencer January) in the late 70’s or early 80’s by an older church member (perhaps Brother Cash?) that the church that Will came out of, “Old 4^th and Grand,” as it was known then, was or eventually became, a Foursquare church; but again, I’m uncertain of the veracity of that fact.  Karen Singleterry said someone told her that it became 1^st Assembly of God Church of Dallas.   ~`jnh