Church History
It was 1985 when two men from Hamburg Assembly of God (presently Crossroads Assembly of God) shared their mutual desire to begin a new church in Sussex County. Several members of the church were driving to Hamburg each Sunday and Wednesday from northern Warren County and the Fredon area in Sussex County.
Pastor Daniel Astuto and Peter Christensen, an elder, prayed about their concern and began to make plans to "mother" a new church in the Fredon area. In December of 1985, Pastor Dan announced the news to the church in Hamburg that they were going to give birth. Nine months later, September 7, 1986, Vineyard Assembly of God was born.
In August, Pastor Astuto had Rev. Christensen preach and share his vision for the daughter church. Following his message there was a call for those who desired to join him in this new endeavor. Twelve people went forward and stood with him. The church began meetings in the home of Larry and Bunny Small in Fredon with more than 30 in attendance. By January of 1987, the congregation had outgrown the small home and decided to rent a portion of Fredon school.
The church enjoyed a good working relationship with the school and administration, meeting there for over twelve years. In April of 1999, the congregation was displaced and began meeting at Frelinghuysen school. After one and a half years the school board felt that in light of the Columbine High School tragedy and the events of 9-11-01 they wanted all weekend groups out of the school. In October of 2001 Vineyard moved their meeting place to the Masonic Lodge in Blairstown (Warren County).
After three years and seven months, the Christensen's moved on to begin a church in Manasquan, NJ and Rev. Steve Pratel and family accepted the call to pastor Vineyard. Again the church experienced growth in several ways under his ministry. After three years and seven months, the Pratel's felt God leading them to minister on Long Island and moved on.
Rev. C. Wendell Ross, the present pastor, accepted the call from Vineyard and became their third pastor. He assumed the pastorate in June of 1994. In October of 1995 the congregation purchased five acres of property in Marksboro with plans to build their own meeting facilities. That property was paid for in July of 1998. Our plans are to move ahead to build in near future.