Blessing Heights
Our church was founded in 1968 by a group of Apostolic faith people who had a vision for Arkansas City and the surrounding area. The first service was on Easter Sunday and included a baptism service. Before building a new church on Radio Lane in 1967-68, the church was formerly on K Street in Arkansas City. Then a group of parishioners led by Pastor John Atchley moved Aug. 14th, 1967, to a temporary facility on Sixth street, while they built a new building on Radio Lane. The first service in their new building was Easter morning, April 14th, 1968, over 55 yrs. ago.
Blessing Heights has had seven pastors beginning with the founding minister John Atchey, 1968-1973; Oreal Sanders, 1973-1977; Andrew Minick, 1977-1981; Edmond Hull, 1981-1983; Ronnie Reed, 1983-1988; Floyd Saffell, 1989-1996; and Tim Smith 1996 to present.
Blessing Heights church is part of the Church of God Apostolic Faith (COGAF) with its headquarters in Ramona, Okla. The COGAF organization was birthed out of the early 1900s Pentecostal movement that started in Topeka and Baxter Springs. The General Superintendent of COGAF is Jack Richey, grandson of Frank and Christine Mefford, two of the founding members of the Blessing Heights church. Blessing Heights has drawn members over the years mainly from Arkansas City, Winfield and Newkirk area.
During Pastor John Atchley’s tenure, three and half acres of what used to be an apple orchard was purchased and the facility was built. Later, during Pastor Reed’s tenure, a new parsonage was built behind the church on 15th Street, and a fellowship hall and youth room was added onto the church facility. During Pastor Smith’s tenure, a garage and storage building were built between the church and the parsonage, and new foyer and drive port were added on the front of the church. The kitchen and the stage were also remodeled.
The church has been part of many community events over the years: Praise in the Park, Holy Week services, citywide crusades, and many more. The church has always had a strong presence of youth and ministry toward them. Maybe this is because the church is located across the street from the Arkansas City High School.
The COGAF campgrounds are located in Stilwell, Okla. Blessing Heights has taken hundreds of youths there over the years. Blessing Heights has also helped in building new dorms at the COGAF campgrounds in Stilwell. There have been many kids’ crusades, VBS, and youth revivals. COGAF has built over 80 churches in old Mexico. Blessing Heights has been a part of sending many skilled workers and laborers to help erect those churches accompanied by other COGAF churches. Blessing Heights church is proud to be part of the Cowley County area for more than 55 years.