A native of Maine, Pastor Robert
H. Genevicz, holds a PhD from California Graduate School of Theology and has
completed his course work for a Doctor of Ministry at Andover Newton Theological
School. Pastor is currently the Treasurer of the Stratford Clergy Association,
and the Chairman of the Department of Christian Mission Support of ABCCONN. He serves on the Executive Committee and on the Board of Managers
of ABCCONN. He is also a Certified
ASA Softball Umpire and a Certified Basketball Official of IAABO. Pastor Bob’s
biblical preaching, inspirational messages and warmth of personality will inspire
and lead you closer to God.
On July 18, 1922 twenty four
members organized the church in the home of Alice Haley. In May of 1923 Bartrum Hall at Stratford Center
was rented for church services, and in July Fred Farnsworth was granted a license
to preach. He was appointed acting Pastor
and dedicated their new church building at their first service on Broadbridge
Avenue in March of 1924. In May of 1926, the first trained Pastor, Mr. Claude
M. Haygood, was appointed. Sixteen
full time Pastors have served the church over the years following the
appointment of Mr. Haygood. The first church parsonage was completed adjacent
to the church on Broadbridge Avenue in September 1932, and in December of 1935
the Sunday School addition was completed. In September of 1943 property facing
Paradise Green was purchased. In the fall of 1949 a surplus Army Chapel was
purchased in
Goldsboro, North Carolina. The Chapel was moved and re-erected on the present site with improvements. The new church building was dedicated in November 1950. Dedication of the new Christian Education building as an addition to the rear of the present building took place in March of 1960. The present parsonage adjoining the church was purchased in September 1968. In February 2001 the Spamer property on the corner next door was purchased to make room for more parking for our growing church. The former Spamer home also provided the potential for housing church offices or temporary living quarters.