In 1948, Rev. J.E. Barnes began holding services under a tent that was erected on a vacant lot at 3135 Fort Avenue. Later, under the leadership of Rev. Levi Belier, a permanent structure was built on the site. The first service in the basement church was held in January of 1952 and “First Assembly of God” was officially dedicated on April 14, 1952.
The upper portion of the facility was completed in 1956 and was dedicated on October 21st of that same year. Rev. Belier passed away just prior to the dedication of the facility. Leading the church from 1957 through 1972 were Rev. Joseph Smith, Rev. Irvin Steiding, and Rev. Norman Haupt. In December 1972, Rev. Gilbert Foster Sr. was selected to serve as the Pastor of the congregation.
Under Rev. Foster’s leadership, the worship center was enlarged, and an office for the Pastor, a fellowship hall, a kitchen, and Sunday School classrooms were built. These expansions were dedicated on March 27, 1977. Rev. Foster led the congregation until his departure in the early part of 1982.
Rev. Jimmie Blair was selected to lead the congregation in April of 1982. Under his leadership, the church experienced notable numerical and spiritual growth. In February 1986, Rev. Blair resigned from his ministry at the church to serve as a missionary to the Philippines.
Rev. T.R. Barris Sr. began serving the congregation in March of 1986 and did so until spring of 1993. Under his leadership, the church continued to experience growth and the property adjoining the facility to the south was purchased. Also, during his tenure, Rev. Barris initiated preliminary discussions concerning the future expansion of the church facilities.
In June of 1993, Rev. Craig Miller assumed the role of Lead Pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow and become more financially stable. Under this newfound stability, the congregation began to plan for the anticipated expansion of the facilities.
Rev. Rodney T. Mason assumed the leadership of the congregation in April of 1998. After a time of uncertainty regarding the specific location for the church’s expansion, it was decided to simply build the new facilities alongside the existing facilities. The groundbreaking for the expansion took place in October 2002, and construction began soon after.
The current worship center, gymnasium, kitchen, foyer, nursey, and restroom facilities were completed in late 2003 and the first service was held in the new facility on November 2nd of that year. The expanded facility was officially dedicated on April 2, 2002.
Following the resignation of Rev. Mason, Rev. Charles Foshee was selected to serve as the Lead Pastor in 2006. Under Rev. Foshee’s leadership, the name of the church was changed from “First Assembly of God” to “Love & Truth Community Church”. Rev. Foshee served the congregation until December 2015.
In June of 2017, Rev. Ron Cannon was chosen to serve as the Lead Elder / Pastor. In February 2025, the name of the church was officially changed to "Gather Lynchburg". For more than a year and a half before the name of the church was changed, the leadership team at "Love & Truth Community Church" (the previous church name) had been earnestly seeking God for direction, renewed purpose, and clear vision.
As God began speaking to us regarding His plans for the church, it became apparent that our old name simply did not best represent the new direction and focus that God was providing. As we began to get a clearer picture of God’s plans, it became obvious that a church with renewed purpose, sharper vision and newly established priorities required a name that best reflects His plans – thus, "Gather Lynchburg".