August, 1965....

Seventeen dedicated pioneers desired to plant a new church in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA, that would emphasize the Pentecostal work of the Holy Spirit for today. In August of 1965, they met in a home in Castle Shannon and became the charter members of South Hills Assembly of God under the lay leadership of George and Phyllis Applegate.

On August 24, 1965, another group of pioneers met in a prayer meeting of the mother church of Bethel Assembly of God to believe for the same endeavor to be birthed from much prayer and faith. They joined their efforts with the first group.

Paul Wislocky became the first pastor and services were moved from homes to the Castle Shannon Borough Building, where on May 6, 1966, the first Sunday school and morning worship were held with 38 in attendance. John McEwen, who had prayed for 40 years for a full gospel church in the South Hills, was recognized for his loving guidance in those early years. There the foundation of South Hills Assembly was laid that would have far-reaching consequences in touching the lives of thousands.

The leaders of the new church decided on property in Bethel Park. The location wasn’t ideal for there was a 30’ drop-off from Bethel Church Road into a swamp area, but the church became the beneficiaries of 264 truckloads of free dirt from the building of a nearby middle school.

On October 9, 1966, the growing group broke ground for the new church building with the men of the church doing most of the construction.

On August 20, 1967, The first service was held in the new sanctuary and the building was officially dedicated to the work of the Lord on January 28, 1968. The dream had come true!

In August of 1969, Cyril Chegwin became the pastor of the young church. The Chegwins saw the church continue to grow to nearly 200 when they moved in the middle of 1972.

The first Sunday of 1973, Robert Owen was installed as the pastor. Soon the sanctuary was too small.

In July, 1975, a larger sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord. At the vanguard of the charismatic renewal, the church enjoyed several years of attendance between 900-1000 in the 1980’s.

In May of 1981, the church purchased Hillcrest School from the Bethel Park school board. Today, Hillcrest Christian School is a wonderful weekday Christian school. Parents are finding a high-quality education for their children in a godly atmosphere where the Bible is taught.

In August of 1990, Dr. Jack and Kay Stepp began ministry and the congregation continues to be a lighthouse for the Lord Jesus!

In September of 1999 the new ministry center was dedicated to the Lord, expanding the facilities at this campus to over 81,000 square for His work to change lives.

Over the last twenty years, South Hills Assembly has mothered several other churches in whole or in part. Many young people have gone in to the ministry, and the church supports missions around the world.

To God is the Glory!