Our History
1950
Open Bible Church
Prior to the Assembly of God Church in Atlantic, an Open Bible Church began holding evangelistic services in the courthouse meeting room in 1950, and prayer meetings at the pastor's home. Other locations were used for evening services as well including the Congregational Church at 5th & Walnut Streets, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 6th & Walnut. By 1953 the Open Bible Church had their own church building at 700 Oak Street.
1958
Assemblies of God
In July, 1958, the Assemblies of God purchased a building at 700 Oak Street from the Open Bible Church. The church was considered to be a Home Missions church until it could support itself. The first service was held on July 18, 1958 and included Sunday school at 10:00 AM, a worship service at 11:00 AM, and a 7:30 evening service.
Pastors Included:
* Roy Phillips (1959 - 1960)
* Corwin Lowe (1961 - 1963)
* Wayne R. Sullivan (1964 - 1965)
1965
Vernon Estebo
Reverend Vernon Estebo, and his wife Nancy, moved to Atlantic in 1965.
1967
703 Walnut Street
The church outgrew the building at 700 Oak Street and the congregation began to look for other facilities. The former Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church, located at 7th & Walnut Streets, had merged with First Congregational Church, located at 5th & Walnut Streets, in 1960, leaving the building at 700 Walnut Street vacant.
As Reverend Estebo drove by the vacant building, he heard an audible voice clearly speak to him saying, "What's wrong with this building?" Reverend Estebo responded audibly, "Nothing, Lord." He turned the car around to get the name of the realtor, and by 3:00 that afternoon, he was visiting it. The board visited it that same evening. The board spoke with the Assemblies of God's southwest Iowa regional presbyter who informed the board they would come up with the money, so an offer of $10,000 was made. The bid was accepted the next day. The realtor also purchased the 700 Oak Street building and converted it to apartments.
The congregation made some renovations to the church at 701 Walnut and updated the parsonage at 703 Walnut. Attendance at the time was approximately 41.
1968
Wayne Jameson
Reverend Jameson was appointed to come to First Assembly in Atlantic as a home missions pastor. Reverend Jameson also worked a full-time job. He and his wife, Marilu, had three girls, Diane, Donna and Denise.
1969
801 Chestnut Street
In 1969, Safeway Grocers bought the entire 700 block between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, which included the church and parsonage. The former First Christian Church and Trinity United Church of Christ had recently merged and moved to their new building at 16th and Hazel Street. First Assembly of God was able to purchase their old building at 801 Chestnut Street with the proceeds of the sale to Safeway.
The 801 Chestnut Street building had been built in 1904 and had undergone extensive renovations in 1951. As a result, very few renovations were needed. The building's first floor included a sanctuary, nursery room, office, baptismal, communion-preparation room, and small closet for the Sunday School Superintendent to track attendance and count offerings. The basement included a nice-sized kitchen with two stoves and sinks, one large meeting room, two smaller classrooms, one mid-sized classroom with an expandable wall that could split it, and men's and women's rest rooms.
1974
A. R. Sorenson
Reverend Sorenson came to Atlantic after retiring from the Shenandoah Assembly of God church. He chose not to take a salary in order that the church could invest in a 15-passenger van so children could be given rides to church if their parents could not bring them. Reverend Sorenson's sermons were well liked and a number of new families began to attend the church under his leadership. Royal Rangers, an activity-based ministry for boys and young men, ages K-12, started during the Sorenson's time in Atlantic.
1976
James Booth
Pastor Booth was a lively speaker, and his wife, June, occasionally played the accordion in church. Missionettes, was added to the children's programs for girls in addition to Royal Rangers that had already been started for boys. Both programs were a priority during their tenure. A new brick sign was constructed at the corner of 8th & Chestnut with the name of the church and other details.
Assistant Pastor:
* Al Hazelton (1977-1984)
1979
Gary Sherman
Gary and Jan Sherman enjoyed people and Gary especially enjoyed telling a good joke. The church grew under his leadership, not only due to Gary's enjoyable personality, but also because of his focus on prayer.
Gary had a short Sunday morning radio program that ran on KJAN radio station before Sunday School. The tagline of the program was, "The friendly church of worship and praise."
The church was growing, with nearly every seat full on Sunday mornings, so the congregation began to discuss purchasing land to build a new facility.
1984
Timothy Graetz
Early in Pastor Graetz' tenure, the congregation approved the purchase of land at the intersection of 22nd Street and Highway 71. According to the Atlantic News Telegraph article announcing the purchase, the church had grown 95% in the past three years, and because of generous contributions by members, the land could be purchased debt free. Pastor Greatz, and other leaders, developed an exceptional music program, with three musical productions in one year!
Staff pastors included:
* Barry Bailey (1984) Youth
* Tyler Grant (1985) Youth
Office administrators included:
* Dee Bloom (1984-1985)
* Lori House (1984-current)
1986
Charles Feltman
During Pastor Feltman's tenure, the new church was constructed and students became involved in Bible Quiz competitions. The church at 801 Chestnut was sold, and the congregation celebrated the dedication of the new facility in 1990.
Staff pastors included:
* Ed Garvin (1988 - 1989) Youth
* Ed Akin (1989 - 1991) Youth & Music
1992
Guy Fisher
Once the new building was complete, Pastor Guy Fisher, and his wife, Vickie, came to Atlantic. He emphasized solid Biblical teaching, love, forgiveness, kids, youth, membership, and ISOM lay leadership training. Pastor Fisher allowed the church to adjust to changing times.
After serving in his role as Senior Pastor for 27 years, Pastor Fisher was elected by his peers to become the next Superintendent of the Iowa Ministry Network in April, 2019.
Staff pastors included:
* Dan Aubuchon (1993 - 1994) Youth
* Guy Somers (1997 - 2005) Ass't Pastor
* Lee Havemeier (2007 - 2015) Youth, Music & Celebrate Recovery
2020
David Beroth
In January 2020, David Beroth became lead pastor with his wife, Elli. His messages had a unique style and practical wisdom for everyday living. He retired from ministry on May 5, 2024.
Updates made during his pandemic tenure included changing the church logo and name to Hillside Hope Assembly; music, audio & visual equipment; a guest services room, and the sanctuary paint, carpet, and chairs.
2025
Alex Brumley
Alex Brumley, and his wife Anna, moved from California to Atlantic to become the lead pastor of Hillside Hope Assembly on Sunday, May 18, 2025.