WEATHERSFIELD — When it was first established in 1924, the Summit Assembly of God Church was inside a small former schoolhouse.

Today, the church is located a short distance west of where it originally started off Salt Springs Road. It recently marked its 100th anniversary with a special worship service followed by a picnic and games.

Pastor Luke Breese, who has been pastor for the past three years, said the congregation is very active at the church and in the community, which he credits for the church’s longevity.

He said the church provides a food pantry and programs open to the public.

“Our members are very dedicated to each other. They are dedicated to coming here and having a place to worship together,” Breese said. “We’re here to make disciples. We’re here to show people who Jesus is, and how we can live closely to his teachings.”

He said the church looks forward to its future “and whatever God brings to us.”

Sue Mock of Girard, who has been a member of the church since 1959, said the first church was located in the area where Sheetz is today off Salt Springs Road.

Steve Setnick of Weathersfield said the first church was a former school building

“The bell at our church outside was from that school building. When they built this church here in 1973, they brought the bell with them for the bell tower. The bell is on display here,” he said.

The bell is older than the church since it was used at the Summit School from 1898.

Mock said she went to the original church when she was a teenager. She said she and her husband, who died in October, were among the longest attending members.

She and her husband married in 1962 at the first church.

“It’s been my home church. I remember when the new church opened. I credit God for us being here for 100 years,” Mock said.

She said the new church was needed for more space as the congregation was growing and more programs were being offered.

“The original church was tiny,” Mock said.

She said when the local steel mills began closing, many members left to find jobs elsewhere.

At the church were many photo albums of the church’s history and also memorabilia including plates with the image of the first church on them.

The Assembly of God church offers men’s and women’s ministries and children’s ministries.

In addition to Breese, among the other pastors who have served at the church are Richard Bartin, Delbert Miller, Boyd McClellan, Rob Ruiz, Shane Johnson and Jeffrey Street.