How it all began...
First Assembly of God was founded in 1964 after Carl Guiney, of Lafayette, Indiana, and Calvin Carmen of Niagara Falls, New York, came to the city of Woonsocket feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit to begin a church in Woonsocket. After arriving in the city, Carmen returned to Springfield, Missouri, to complete his education, while Guiney remained to lead the work.
With help from a neighboring pastor, Reverend Raymond Shepherd of Franklin, Massachusetts, Pastor Guiney spent the summer and fall of 1964 visiting homes and inviting families to church. The first service was held on November 1, 1964, at the Globe Park Elementary School.
With help from a neighboring pastor, Reverend Raymond Shepherd of Franklin, Massachusetts, Pastor Guiney spent the summer and fall of 1964 visiting homes and inviting families to church. The first service was held on November 1, 1964, at the Globe Park Elementary School.
The First Building and Growing Years
In 1966, the Southern New England District assisted the church in purchasing the former Polish National Catholic Church on Arnold Street, where Pastor Guiney also made his home. He married Faith Shepherd in June of 1968.
From 1966 to 1980, the church grew steadily. Many renovations were made to building, and the congregation became known for its strong community outreach. Tragically, in October of 1980, a devastating fire destroyed the church building and its contents, along with four other buildings on Arnold Street.
From 1966 to 1980, the church grew steadily. Many renovations were made to building, and the congregation became known for its strong community outreach. Tragically, in October of 1980, a devastating fire destroyed the church building and its contents, along with four other buildings on Arnold Street.
A new beginning and current Location
Though the building was lost, the church family remained strong. Services resumed at Bernon Heights Elementary School and later in the basement of First Baptist Church.. In 1983, the congregation purchased property at 420 Mendon Road and began building its current home. The first level of the fan-shaped building was completed, and services were held in the fellowship Hall.
The same year, Reverend Ray Shepherd and his wife Edna joined the ministry team. In 2002, the building was fully completed, and the upstairs sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God.
After more than 40 years of faithful service, Pastor Guiney and Faith retired in 2010. Pastor Guiney was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus and passed away on April 29, 2011. Pastor Shepherd and Edna also retired in 2010 and passed away in 2024.
The same year, Reverend Ray Shepherd and his wife Edna joined the ministry team. In 2002, the building was fully completed, and the upstairs sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God.
After more than 40 years of faithful service, Pastor Guiney and Faith retired in 2010. Pastor Guiney was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus and passed away on April 29, 2011. Pastor Shepherd and Edna also retired in 2010 and passed away in 2024.
Pastor Mount’s Years of Leadership
On January 1, 2011, Pastor Jeff Mount and his wife, Carolyn, arrived in Woonsocket. Having served as youth pastors, home missions pastors, and in Lake Alfred, Florida, they accepted the call to First Assembly, where they faithfully served for 15 years. Pastor Mount retired after 50 years of ministry on December 31, 2025.
Pastor Mount led with a vision of being a church that is “ready”—ready to reach the community, ready to teach the words of Christ, ready to touch those in need of comfort, and ready to love one another as Christ loves us.
During this season, First Assembly strengthened partnerships with Community Care Alliance of Woonsocket and local churches. First Assembly made a meaningful impact through Thanksgiving and Christmas giving, outreaches at Plaza Village, and annual events such as the Good Friday Community Service and the Woonsocket Day of Prayer. World missions also flourished through generous giving and active participation.
Pastor Mount led with a vision of being a church that is “ready”—ready to reach the community, ready to teach the words of Christ, ready to touch those in need of comfort, and ready to love one another as Christ loves us.
During this season, First Assembly strengthened partnerships with Community Care Alliance of Woonsocket and local churches. First Assembly made a meaningful impact through Thanksgiving and Christmas giving, outreaches at Plaza Village, and annual events such as the Good Friday Community Service and the Woonsocket Day of Prayer. World missions also flourished through generous giving and active participation.
Looking Ahead
Today, our congregation continues to believe that God has strategically placed First Assembly of God on this hill to shine the light of Jesus to all who will hear. We remain committed to serving Woonsocket with faith, hope, and love.
