Our History
Northeast Assembly of God was founded in 1956 by a group of people with a strong desire to see people come to know Jesus Christ. There was no building yet; the members of the church often met in homes for times of prayer and worship. As things kept moving forward and more members were added, the church was almost ready to purchase its own building, and turned an old army barracks into a house of worship. A
few people mortgaged their homes to help pay for this new place that was to be a light to a world in need.
The first pastors of the church were Thomas and Lola Fuller. Under their guidance, the church built its first sanctuary: now called Fuller Hall. The Fullers placed a great emphasis on supporting missions around the world, even when money was tight. By the end of their service, Northeast was supporting ten missionary families worldwide. The Fullers served as pastors from 1956-1966.
The church continued to experience growth under Doug and Hellen Hyatt, who served as pastors from 1966-1969. Sunday school was a place of special growth, and in response Northeast built a new multi-purpose building, now called the Hyatt building.
Pastors Don and Ruby Merril are remembered as highly evangelistic pastors here at Northeast. Their driving passion was to see the lost saved through knowledge of Christ. Under Pastor Merrill, Northeast experienced numerical growth like it had never seen before. To accommodate this growth, a new sanctuary was built in 1978; and it is still in use today. The Merrills completed their service to Northeast in 1982.
Pastors Roland and Jennet Scroggins served Northeast as pastors for 3 years, from 1982-1985, with a heavy focus on maintaining passion for God.
Hymman and Virginia Wood served Northeast in the pastor position from 1985-1991, but have been with the church since its founding in the 50's. They heavily emphasized missions, expanding the number of missionaries as well as building a house on church property for missionaries to stay during times when they are not in the mission field. Hymman and Virginia still serve Northeast today.
Mike and Katie Bruton became the pastors of Northeast in 1992. Under their leadership, Northeast has held some of its biggest events and empowered several leaders to get involved in ministry. At one event in the mid-90's, over 400 people gave their lives to Christ! Mike and Katie have also overseen a church remodel project, raising over $750,000. All the while the Brutons have kept in the spirit of Northeast's past as they have helped to plant several churches throughout Fresno and are currently helping Action Community Church, whose pastor is to be the grandson of Thomas and Lola Fuller, Jason Fuller
In light of our great history, we look forward to what is to come, believing that our best days are still in front of us and that we will see and are in fact seeing God's sovereign hand guide us through the next chapter of this great story. We hope that you would join us and find out what God has for you here at Northeast Assembly of God.
In February 2016 Jim along with his wife Cindy Mattix became the new lead pastor of Northeast.