Summary of the History of Malaga Pentecostal Assembly

In May of 1921, Mrs. Lena Monteleone wrote to Rev. Dell'Aringa (who was then in Philadelphia). She sent an urgent request for him to come and offer prayer for her seriously ill son. Arriving May 13, Rev. Dell'Aringa found the child had just died. He returned on May 15 to conduct the funeral service. The family and friends were so impressed with the service, that they asked him to return and conduct regular Sunday morning worship services. The first one was held May 18, 1921, in the Monteleone home. The first converts were Anthony Marino, his wife, Concetta, and their children. By July 1, the church comprised six families. Rev. Dell'Aringa moved to the home of Biagio Spatafore, Marshall Mill Road and conducted services there.

In October of 1922, the congregation moved to the Old Malaga schoolhouse. In March of 1923, a tent was erected on Dutch Mill Road, while the church was under construction (the first church building). By November, services were being held in the basement of the partially constructed edifice. By April of 1924, the building was completed and services were held there for the next 36 years. During Rev. Dell'Aringa's ministry, he appointed one of the young men from the congregation, Peter Bracaliello as his assistant. Peter Bracaliello served in this position for about 35 years until he resigned in 1986.

In 1953, Rev. Dell'Aringa went to Tunisia, Africa as a missionary. He appointed Rev. Peter Miccoli as pastor of Malaga and Glassboro churches. By this time the congregation had outgrown the building. Under Rev. Miccoli's ministry, a building fund was started for a new church across the road. In 1955, Rev. Miccoli left and Rev. Frank Maruso became the pastor. During his ministry the present sanctuary and wing were completed and dedicated in 1960. The building which cost $62,000. was valued at $100,000. A mortgage of $30,000. was taken. Rev. Maruso left in 1962 to become full time pastor of the sister church in Glassboro. In 1962, Rev. Theodore Sfortunato became the pastor and under his ministry the present parsonage was built at a cost of $20,000.

In June of 1963, Rev. John Pagano became the pastor and the congregation continued to grow. Both the church sanctuary and parsonage were paid for. In July, 1969 the church affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God. In 1970, the name of the church was changed from Italian Christian Evangelical Church to Malaga Pentecostal Assembly. In 1976, an addition was constructed which included a fellowship hall, kitchen, more Sunday School rooms, and offices costing $150,000.

In 1979, Rev. Pagano left and Rev. Herb Emel became the pastor. Under his ministry the church continued to grow as the Bus Ministry into the community was established as well as a Christian Daycare (Malaga Christian Nursery School). In 1981, MPA became the owner of Pine Grove (Camp) Bible Institute which was begun by Rev. Dell'Aringa in 1939 and consists of 125 acres. Also, in 1981, Rev. John Pisani became the first Youth Pastor.

In 1982, Rev. Emel left and Rev. Keith Holt became the pastor. During Rev. Holt's ministry, the church revived the full use of Pine Grove (Camp) Bible Institute for the summers of 1983-87.

In 1984, the church acquired more property across the street on Dutch Mill Rd. The mortgage for the educational wing was burned. Rev. Steve Motter came on board as Youth Pastor.

In 1987, Rev. Holt left. Rev. Ralph Newell served as Interim Pastor until Rev. Brian Belrose came in 1988.

In 1991, Rev. Belrose left and Rev. Elmer Lindale served as Interim Pastor until Rev. Eric J. Rey came in May of 1992 and served until August, 1998. Rev. Craig Smallwood served as youth pastor from January, 1996 to August, 1997. Jim Bradford, III, a member of our church became the Youth Pastor (part-time) since August, 1997. After he graduated from Valley Forge Christian College, he continued full time as Youth Pastor until 2006.

In 1998, Rev. Eric J. Rey left and Nick Calvelli, Deacon was made Chairman of Board until Rev. Randy A. Sabella came as pastor end of August, 1999. September, 2006,
Robert Brandhorst Jr was appointed Youth Pastor (part-time) until 9/30/07. Then Kevin Carlino was appointed as Youth Pastor until March, 2009.

In March of 2002, the name of the church was changed to Malaga Assembly of God and a new sign was installed. In May of 2006, MAG partnered with Pastor Bradford to plant a church in Landisville, NJ, Solid Rock Worship Center. On the night of MAG’s 85th Anniversary Banquet, Pastor Jim held his first service.

In May, 2009, ground was broken for the new addition and renovation of MAG. The project was completed in October of 2009. The building and renovation project gave us an updated sanctuary, including decor, lighting, staging, new sound system and more seating. The addition gave us more lobby space, new bathrooms, an enclosed walkway and a café. By God’s grace, we were able to pay cash for the entire project, $500,000.

In August of 2009, Pastor Sabella celebrated his 10th year at MAG.
In September of 2009, Justin Kenyon was appointed new youth leader at MAG.
In November of 2009, we dedicated the renovated sanctuary and new addition.

To God be the glory for all He has accomplished and continues to accomplish today.
Truly, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or image. To Him be glory forever and ever. AMEN!


Updated 7/1/10
by Pastor Sabella