Our History
The King’s Assembly had its beginnings in 1909 in Harlem, New York. Through the evangelistic work of Susan G. Lightford, who initially held services on the streets of Harlem, a small group formed and began to meet regularly to worship God. In 1919 the organization was formally incorporated as The King’s Chapel Assembly of the Apostolic Faith.
Although Susan Lightford died in 1949, she planted the seeds for God’s great work in New York City.
Several other pastors came and left over the years; however, in 1964 Thomas Streitferdt became the Pastor and Teacher of the congregation. Utilizing his gifts from God, Pastor Streitferdt explained more fully the Gospel of the Lord Jesus: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Additionally, Pastor Streitferdt spearheaded the effort to build a new edifice dedicated for worshipping and teaching about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At the time some called it folly yet God stood with His people, and we erected a brand new building on the corner of 127th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan.
In 1980 we opened the King’s Academy, a school for our children and those of the community. It is a teaching arm of the church that provides a secular education along with the teachings about the Lord Jesus from the pre-school level through high school. Our children began graduating from high school in 1989. They continue to serve God and work as professionals in the medical, accounting, legal, and financial industries amongst others.
Today the church building adjoined to the school building extends from the corner of 127th Street to the corner of 128th Street. And after 45 years, Thomas Streitferdt is still the Pastor and Teacher of the congregation. God has done great things for us whereof we are glad!
Although Susan Lightford died in 1949, she planted the seeds for God’s great work in New York City.
Several other pastors came and left over the years; however, in 1964 Thomas Streitferdt became the Pastor and Teacher of the congregation. Utilizing his gifts from God, Pastor Streitferdt explained more fully the Gospel of the Lord Jesus: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Additionally, Pastor Streitferdt spearheaded the effort to build a new edifice dedicated for worshipping and teaching about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At the time some called it folly yet God stood with His people, and we erected a brand new building on the corner of 127th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan.
In 1980 we opened the King’s Academy, a school for our children and those of the community. It is a teaching arm of the church that provides a secular education along with the teachings about the Lord Jesus from the pre-school level through high school. Our children began graduating from high school in 1989. They continue to serve God and work as professionals in the medical, accounting, legal, and financial industries amongst others.
Today the church building adjoined to the school building extends from the corner of 127th Street to the corner of 128th Street. And after 45 years, Thomas Streitferdt is still the Pastor and Teacher of the congregation. God has done great things for us whereof we are glad!