Every story has a beginning. This is ours…
How it all began
Evangelist Robert Lundstrom founded the Norwich Assembly of God in 1955. The church held its first service on March 5th, 2005 in the Norwich Grange Hall. It quickly grew to approximately 60 people in attendance.
After 2 years the young church purchased the Lyman estate (a.k.a. the Old Starr Farm) at Starr and New London Turnpike. The old farmhouse was renovated to house a sanctuary on the bottom floor. The top floor contained classrooms and an apartment for the Lundstrom Family.
In 1964, a new church building was dedicated. The congregation, under the leadership of Rev. Howard Collver, decided it was time replace the old farm house with a new facility. The farm house was burned down and in its place was a erected a new building complete with sanctuary, dining hall, classrooms, and living quarters.
Over the years, attendance has averaged between 60 to 225 members and adherents. The message of the church has always been Pentecostal. Its doctrines include personal salvation through faith in Christ, divine healing, divine inspiration of scripture, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other languages, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The church has always supported the work of foreign missions. Hundreds of foreign missionaries have been hosted by the church, many of which received regular financial support. The church has also sponsored several missions trips to Honduras to share the Christian faith and to assist in building projects.
The current pastor of the Norwich Assembly of God is Randy Shibilo. Rev. Shibilo moved to Connecticut from Illinois in October of 2003. Rev. Shibilo lives in Norwich with his wife and 2 children.
Founded 1955