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Our story began with a small group, a big faith, and a heart for souls. Through decades of growth and change, God has remained faithful every step of the way. Today, we carry that same vision forward—rooted in prayer and reaching our world with His love.
In July of 1950, evangelist G. A. Mangun and his wife, Vesta, arrived in Alexandria and began leading a small group of about 40 people, setting into motion the fervor for souls and the dedication to prayer and fasting that still drives The Pentecostals of Alexandria today. Sunday School Bus Routes began in 1953. Two years later, the church at the corner of Sixteenth and Day streets was built. By the next year, attendance was up to 281.
Music programs, new ministries all worked together to create more growth. When the church building at 2817 Rapides Avenue was dedicated on May 2, 1969, attendance had grown to 691. In 1972 youth programs were started along with the beginning of an unbroken, 365 days a year, 24-hour prayer chain. 1976, saw the opening of White Steeple Bookstore. The first three decades of Mangun leadership saw enormous change and expansion, yet the purpose and the message have never altered: Souls!
The next phase in leadership at The POA began when Rev. Anthony Mangun and his wife, Mickey, took the helm in 1980. An annual conference for ministers and their wives, Because of the Times, began in 1982 and continues to have a global impact today. The beginnings of the much-acclaimed supernatural drama production Messiah happened in 1983 with a two-performance musical. Another move, this time across Meyer Street, led to a new building and a name change from the Greater First Pentecostal Church to The Pentecostals of Alexandria.
Process 2000 began in 1994, pushing for a congregation of 2000 by the year 2000. By 1997, the year the Family Life Center opened, attendance was at 2157. In 2000, the year of Jubilee, The Pentecostals of Alexandria celebrated 50 years and a commitment to carrying the legacy of the past into the future.
In October 2021, Pastor Mangun transitioned to the office of Bishop.
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Now in the 20's, the POA is over 70 years old. By God's favor, we have withstood the test of time. Over the decades, we have witnessed many changes in the world and in our community; however, some things remain the same. - Twenty-four Hour Prayer is still an essential part of who we are, along with reaching for souls, and making disciples. In October 2021 Pastor Gentry Mangun became our Senior Pastor. With Pastor Gentry and Alexis Mangun, we are looking ahead to a bright future of revival and evangelism to reach our community and the world with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
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