Our Story

Christian Life Assembly has a rich and influential history of God’s people loving, caring and reaching the Willimantic/Windham region for Jesus Christ. The church was founded by Pastor Harold D. Hanson in 1952 with the help of a founding member and his wife, Andy and Lou Sabo. On February 14, 1952, Assembly of God Chapel provided their first worship service at 133 Union Street, Willimantic, CT. The welcome card stated, “A Hearty Welcome to ALL and A Place Where The Old Fashioned Gospel is Preached.”

In 1953, Assembly of God Chapel bought the Cardinal Funeral Home on 88 Windham Rd, Willimantic, CT and turned it into their new church and changed their name to “Willimantic Assembly of God Church” in 1954.

August 29, 1959, Willimantic Assembly of God Church dedicated their newly built church located at 143 Windham Rd. Willimantic, CT.

From that point, God continued to add to the church and many lives were influenced and changed. God blessed Willimantic Assembly with several loving and caring pastors. 1952-1960 Pastor Harold D. Hanson, founder; 1960-1972 Pastor Normal Suhl; 1972-1976 Pastor Clarence Willet; 1976-1979 Pastor Thomas R. Brubaker, Jr.; 1979-1984 Pastor Harold Mizner; 1984-1991 Pastor Kenneth Newhook.

Under Pastor Kenneth Newhook’s leadership in 1987, Christian Life Assembly began construction on the new sanctuary due to tremendous growth. Additionally, Windham Christian Academy was established in 1989 and provided a quality education to students (grades 1-8) through 2009.

February 9, 1992 Pastor Dwayne Harper became the new pastor of Christian Life Assembly and the church began to grow exponentially and provided numerous outreaches to the community, especially through the arts and a heavy focus on missions. Pastor Harper pastored CLA for 18 years and built the church through love until his retirement on June 27, 2010.

July 25, 2010 – November 25, 2015 Pastor Dr. Richard D. Lafferty pastored CLA and blessed the church with his rich biblical teachings and his ability to administrate.

January 31, 2016 - June 2023 Pastor Donnie J. Capps pastored CLA

June 2023 - Present Interim Pastor Randal Smith