The Pentecostal Assembly started with a handful of faithful members who gathered in the home of the late Aurelio & Natividade Paulo at 41 Edison St., New Bedford. In 1920 the congregation chose young Manuel Barbosa to direct the services & preach the Word of God.

As years passed, the congregation grew & Brother & Sister Paulo's home became too crowded. But on May 7, 1933, the Pentecostal Assembly at 215 Sawyer St., New Bedford, Massachusetts was dedicated unto the service of the Lord. The building itself was originally a Roman Catholic Church. The priest, however, sold the building for a mere $1,500! That in itself is a miracle!

Manuel Barbosa continued as our leader and was ordained as pastor in 1934 by Christine Gibson, pastor of Zion Gospel Tabernacle. He pastored this Assembly for 53 years, resigning in April 1986 due to poor health.

Pastor Alvaro De Sousa took over the pastorship in May 1986 & ministered until March of 1994. He and his wife Dina were a blessing to our congregation. We will not forget our founding fathers.