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Humble Beginnings

In 1916, Brother E. E. Caldwell began pastoring a small group of 22 people who originally began meeting in a store room in west Newark. Brother Caldwell resigned in 1925, leaving the congregation without a pastor. God heard the prayers of the saints and called a farmer, Brother W. A. Wilson, to lead them.

The work of God grew and prospered in the 29 years that Brother W. A. Wilson pastored. In 1940 a building fund was started and in July of 1949, construction began on the old church building still standing at the corner of Sixth and Locust Streets in Newark. This building was dedicated in 1951.

A Vision of Good Things to Come

Shortly before his death, God laid a vision of a campground on the heart of Brother Wilson. In this vision, he saw men and women of different color, races, and nationalities coming together to hear the Gospel preached. After much time in prayer, his vision became a reality in September of 1954 when God provided for the purchase of the tract of land known today as "God's Acres." A barn was converted into a tabernacle and an old corn crib was made into a lunchstand. An old log house served as the first dormitory and weekend meetings were held.

Brother Wilson often said that he would not live to see the first service, and true enough, October 2, 1954, he was called to be with the Lord. After his death, his son, Brother Emerson Wilson answered God's call to lead the congregation.

To the Glory of God

Brother E. A. Wilson was instrumental in fulfilling the vision of his father. In June of 1955, "God's Acres" was set apart and dedicated to the Lord's service. Since that day, the grounds have been used each year for old-fashioned camp meetings where people from all over the United States and around the world have come to worship God and hear the Gospel preached.

As the congregation grew, the old church building downtown became inadequate. After much prayer, the decision was made for a new building that would meet the needs of the congregation and the camp meetings. A new tabernacle was designed and engineered by the local brethren, and on Sunday, June 29, 1969 it was dedicated to the glory of God.

Truth Marches On

For 33 years Brother E. A. Wilson faithfully served as pastor of the congregation until his death on April 11, 1987. Then in May of 1987 Brother Roger Decker answered God's call to become the new pastor. Over the years many people have come and gone since the old tabernacle downtown was first dedicated in 1951. But one thing is certain – the Gospel is still being preached and lived in the hearts of men and women who have yielded their lives to His service. Souls are still being saved, and as in days past, people still come from around the world three times each year to worship the Lord at camp meeting – all to the glory of God!