Sneads Assembly of God · History of the Church
Sneads Assembly of God began as a missions work in February 1962 at a small store front building located on the Old Spanish Trail Road in Sneads, Florida. The Women’s Ministries of the West Florida District of the Assemblies of God, joined with the small congregation to help them raise the funds needed to open the mission. With assistance from Rev. James Gilbert, sectional presbyter at the time, was instrumental in giving guidance to set in order the work of the church. The pastor at this time was Mrs. Mary Edenfield.
She served as pastor from 1962-1963. Following her leadership, Rev. and Mrs. William Dean served as the pastor of the congregation from 1963-1964.
For the next two years, Rev. and Mrs. Bill Stephens was the pastor from 1964-1966.
During his pastorate, the church continued to grow. They had a number of fund raising projects to help purchase property that would later be the current location of the church’s home. Following Pastor Stephens, Rev. and Mrs. Jack Spiers served as the pastor.
During their time as pastor, the church made the transition from the Spanish Trail location to the 2062 River Road location. At the new location, the congregation began building their new facility.
Serving along side of Pastor Spiers was Rev. Mildred Barfield (1966), as the Assistant Pastor who, following Pastor Spiers, Rev. Mildred and her husband Huey “Buster” Barfield became the pastor in 1968.
Their tenure would be for 28 years of faithful service. (1968-1995) The church would undergo many changes with the growth of the congregation. A building program was undertaken to add a fellowship hall and Sunday school rooms.
Under the leadership of Rev. Barfield, a portion of the parking lot was paved, along with the establishment of various ministries, Women’s, Men’s and youth ministries. In March 1995, Pastor Juno and Aimee Douglas began serving as the pastor of the congregation.
During Pastor Douglas’ time as pastor, the congregation as continued to grow. The church began a building program in 1998 to add a new fellowship hall and Sunday school rooms. This program lasted for three years with the men of the church working together to build the addition themselves. When the building was completed, it was paid for in full.
In April of 2004, the congregation moved into their new sanctuary since they had out grown their older sanctuary.
The congregation is active in both the supports and participation in home and foreign missions. Ministries to men, women and children are very active. Ministry to the community is the driving force church. From the ministry of the word of God to the fellowship of various ministries, strong emphasis on discipleship training, and with benevolent and bereavement ministries to those in need and facing seasons of grief, to that of drama presentations that present and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ compassion and concern for lives.
