Our History

A Foundation in Christ

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation… For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— I Corinthians 3:10–11

Every church experiences seasons of joy and challenge, growth and renewal. From its earliest days, this congregation has been built on one unchanging truth: Jesus Christ is the foundation. Through revivals, relocations, building projects, and generations of families, the message of personal salvation and Spirit-filled living has remained constant.

Humble Beginnings (1931–1934)

The story began in late 1931 in an abandoned Methodist church building along U.S. Route 301. At first, only a handful of people gathered, but their hunger for God quickly grew. Within weeks, revival broke out. Services often lasted late into the night as people from many backgrounds filled the altars seeking salvation and spiritual renewal.

Soon the young congregation moved to a former state garage in Glen Burnie that became known as the “Glory Barn.” The building was simple, but the ministry was alive. Members visited homes, held street meetings, and distributed food to families in need. Even in its earliest days, the church developed a clear identity — prayerful, evangelistic, and deeply connected to the community.

In 1934, after much prayer for a permanent place to worship, a small frame church in Pasadena became available. The congregation organized formally and was recognized within the Assemblies of God fellowship, giving the church both stability and a true home in the community.

Establishing Roots and Spiritual Identity (1934–1943)

Enoch Wood (1934–1939)

Emphasis: Holiness and Conviction

Under Pastor Wood’s leadership, the church secured its permanent location and embraced a strong spiritual identity. His preaching emphasized personal holiness and commitment to Christ, shaping the convictions of many new believers and establishing a clear biblical foundation for the young congregation.

H. H. Brothers (1939–1943)

Emphasis: Continuity and Stability

Pastor Brothers provided steady leadership during uncertain years. While the message remained consistent, his tenure helped maintain unity and preserve the spiritual direction established in the church’s early revival days.

Deepening Faith and Growing Families (1943–1951)

Vernon Cardiff (1943–1946)

Emphasis: A Deeper Life in Christ

Known for his warm personality and musical gifts, Pastor Cardiff connected especially well with young people and families. His ministry encouraged believers to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and brought renewed involvement among the youth of the church.

Albert Ark (1946–1951)

Emphasis: Holiness and Church Growth

During this season the church experienced its first major increase in attendance. Sunday School expanded, a bus ministry began, children’s programs were introduced, and the first parsonage was purchased. Construction of additional classroom space began, signaling a transition from survival to growth.

Revival, Expansion, and Unity (1951–1968)

Harold Zuch (1951–1960)

Emphasis: Revival and Christian Education

Sunday School attendance grew to over 300, youth ministries flourished, and regular services were marked by spiritual energy. Women’s and children’s ministries strengthened significantly. Though later years brought internal challenges, the emphasis on education and revival left a lasting imprint on the congregation.

William H. Helms (1960–1968)

Emphasis: Unity and Building for the Future

This era became known for bringing people together. Under Pastor Helms, the congregation united to construct a new sanctuary, dedicated in 1961. Choirs were formed, weekly bulletins began, and organized ministry programs expanded. Both the physical structure and organizational strength of the church were firmly established during these years.

Outreach and Mission (1968–1984)

Julian B. Goggin (1968–1984)

Emphasis: Outreach and Missions

Pastor Goggin’s ministry marked a significant outward focus. Weekly mailings, regular visitation, compassionate pastoral care, and strong missionary support became hallmarks of church life. Mortgages were paid off, new housing for pastors was built, and many young adults sensed a call to ministry and Bible training.

He was known not only for his preaching, but for living the message he shared — visiting the sick, encouraging families, and faithfully serving the community. His passing in 1984 was deeply felt, yet it also revealed the unity and spiritual strength that had grown within the church during his years of service.

Renewal and Continued Faithfulness (1984–2017 )

Elizabeth V. Goggin (1984-1989 )

Emphasis: Unity, Renewal, and Continued Outreach

Following a season of loss, Reverend Elizabeth Goggin guided the congregation into a new chapter of shared responsibility and renewed vision. Having already been deeply involved in the ministries of the church, she brought both familiarity and strength to leadership.

Her ministry emphasized unity, salvation through Jesus Christ, and Spirit-led worship. Outreach ministries continued, educational programs strengthened, and the church demonstrated that its foundation was not built on one individual, but on Christ and a faithful community serving together.

Phil Foster (1989-2017)

Emphasis: Missions, Revival for Families, and a Heart for Spiritual Growth

Pastor Phil Foster’s leadership brought a season of revival focused on families. Under his guidance, many households experienced new life in Christ, and entire families began attending together, getting involved in ministries, and helping the church grow. It was a time when the church’s heart expanded—not through flashy programs, but through real spiritual transformation in the lives of people.

Families were nurtured, children and parents alike saw their faith deepen, and the congregation became stronger and more connected as a result. Pastor Foster emphasized personal discipleship, faithful preaching, and pastoral care, walking alongside each family as they grew in Christ. The revival of hearts and homes during his tenure left a lasting imprint on the church, establishing a foundation of faithfulness and relational strength that continues to bear fruit today.

Engaging the Future

Glenn Magnusen (2017 – Present)

Emphasis: Belong, Believe, Become, and Future Vision

Pastor Glenn Magnusen’s leadership builds on Pasadena’s heritage while setting the church on a path for the future. His ministry emphasizes that every person can belong, believe, and become part of the church family. Under his guidance, the church has renewed its focus on authentic connection, both spiritually and relationally, creating opportunities for people to grow, serve, and engage in meaningful ways.

Practical improvements reflect this vision: the church’s online presence has been modernized, the lobby redesigned to include a café where people can connect, and spaces reimagined to encourage fellowship and community. These changes support the church’s mission of looking forward—preparing for what God will do next, welcoming new families, and equipping members to carry out the work of the Gospel.

Pastor Glenn’s leadership is about honoring Pasadena’s past, celebrating its present, and intentionally setting the stage for the future, ensuring the church is ready to continue growing in spiritual depth, outreach, and community life for generations to come.

Our Continuing Story

The true story of this church is not only found in buildings constructed or programs launched, but in lives changed, families restored, and generations discipled. From late-night revivals in a small roadside building to expanding outreach and missions around the world, the same foundation has endured.

It hasn’t been easy, and the path has not always been smooth, but through every season God has been faithful. Ministries have grown, families have been strengthened, and countless people have come to know Christ within these walls. The church has seen holiness, deeper life, revival, growth, unity, outreach, and missions — each season building upon the last.

Praise God for new beginnings that are built upon the foundation laid by those who came before us.
As Scripture reminds us, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ” -1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT)

And that foundation still stands today.