ABOUT US

Together we are a community of believers. What does that mean, the word community? We believe that together in fellowship we grow closer to God and one another. The bible speaks about iron sharpening iron. We believe that together we grow stronger. We are a community of believers. 

 

We strive to be a church without walls. Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. It is there that the lost will be found. Most churches find it is comfortable to stay within the walls, but we make it an effort to be like the church from the book of Acts, to see our city changed.

 

We highly value our relationships with one another. We look to grow through fellowship, and ultimately growing closer to God. We value the word of God, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We look to extend grace to all of the lost and broken, and lead those with no hope to the hope of Jesus Christ.

WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

Together we are a community of believers. What does that mean, the word community? We believe that together in fellowship we grow closer to God and one another. The bible speaks about iron sharpening iron. We believe that together we grow stronger. We are a community of believers. 

OUR VISION

We strive to be a church without walls. Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. It is there that the lost will be found. Most churches find it is comfortable to stay within the walls, but we make it an effort to be like the church from the book of Acts, to see our city changed.

OUR VALUES

We highly value our relationships with one another. We look to grow through fellowship, and ultimately growing closer to God. We value the word of God, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We look to extend grace to all of the lost and broken, and lead those with no hope to the hope of Jesus Christ.

OUR HISTORY

SMALL BEGINNINGS

  1. Founded in 1907 by a local businessman, the church has worked to stay true to its original message and mission.
  2. Church founder Oscar H. Thayer. The Full Gospel Mission, as it was called then, met Sunday for gospel services in the homes of interested people.  The same group began meeting in Thayer's office building on Cypress Street in Keene and later moved to larger quarters in the Buffman Block.
  3. 1935 Rev. Howard B Hawkes came to Keene as pastor.  In 1940 the need for larger quarters necessitated moving to the old Eagle Hall at 17 Roxbury St., on the third floor.
  4. Rev. Hawkes was succeeded in May 1944, by Rev. Paul Demetrus, who served until April 1, 1945.  He was followed by Rev. John McShane, Rev. Maxon Watrous, and in 1947 by Rev. Edith Nancy Long.
  5. In August 1949, Rev. Almon M. Bartholomew was called to be the pastor of the church then known as FUll Gospel Assembly.  During his pastorate the local assembly joined the national organization of the Assemblies of God, which had been formed in 1914.
  6. In 1950, the present location of the church at 121 Park Avenue was purchased, and the basement of the present building was built and used for church services.  The upper phase of the building was begun in 1957.  The building was finally dedicated on June 16, 1958, under Pastor Roy Suhl. 
  7. The church incorporated under Keene Assembly of God in 1978. Growth of church necessitated a building project in 1987, addition was added to the building. 
  8. In September 2012, Rev. James N. Stemple II came to Keene as the new pastor.  The church began another phase to  completely remodel the building inside and outside, bringing everything up to date.  KAG chURch is set to reach the Vision & Mission set by those who labored & prayed from the beginning.  Same Message: God Loves you and He has a plan and purpose for your LIFE. Rebuilding one life at a time.

OUR PASTOR & WIFE

James N. Stemple II

Lead Pastor

Pastor Stemple and his wife came to Keene in 2012.  KAG is Sharon's home church.  Pastor and Sharon were married at KAG chURch in 1983. God brought the Stemple's back to Keene.  He has a true heart for the lost of this city and this area. He wants to see true change in this area and will not stop until that dream is fulfilled.

Sharon Stemple

Pastor Wife 

Sharon Stemple is the main assistant to Pastor Stemple. Anything that gets done around here, you can be sure that Sharon was the mastermind behind it. We are so thankful for her heart to serve the Lord. This is her home church. After being away for 30 years, God has called the Stemple's back to Keene.

HELPING PEOPLE FOLLOW JESUS