Our History

 Chronological History

Chronological History of Full Gospel Christian Church of Copiague: 1931 – Vincent Gorgoglione (Brother Jimmy) and his family moved to Copiague L.I. and began a cottage prayer meeting.

They were joined by a dear friend and missionary, Sister Sardella. Sister Sardella was instrumental in the teaching of the Word of God. Mid 1930’s – The cottage prayer meeting relocated to a store front on Oak Street. At the same time Bro. Caesare was called to be the pastor.

One year later – The church was forced to close the store front. Pastor Caesare left and the church went back to Vincenzo Gorgoglione’s home. August 1946 – The church was officially incorporated as the ItalianPentecostalChurch.

1949-1959 – Dominick Guido became the first official pastor of the ItalianPentecostalChurch. Under his pastorate the property on Great Neck Road was secured by a donation from the Marvella family. On this site the first building was constructed.

June, 1959 – July 6, 1969 – Joseph Calella was called to be the new pastor. Under his leadership the church was expanded by adding the main sanctuary.

November 21, 1956 – The name of the church was changed from the Italian Pentecostal Church to the Full Gospel Christian Church.

July 6, 1969-1984 – Ross Davi was called to pastor the church. He pastored until he resigned due to health reasons. During his pastorate the building was once again expanded by adding the wings onto the main sanctuary.

He was responsible for a tremendous growth in the church as well. The “Gospel Singers”, a youth choir became well known throughout the North East. 1981 – Bilingual services were begun in Spanish.

1981 – The Copiague Christian Academy was begun.

1984 – l991 – John Winn was called to be the pastor. During his pastorate Full Gospel Christian Church began to send missionaries around the world. 1991 – 1993 – Fred Tolliver was asked to be the interim pastor during the season of transition.

1993 – 2003 – Robert W. Odom was called to be pastor. Since that time the church has more than doubled in attendance. The church now has sent out several missionary families.

May 2003 – Present – Eugene and Diane Pagliarulo were voted in as Senior Pastors. Following the leading of the Lord, they are taking the church back to it’s “First Love,” re-discovering and firming up the foundational truths of our faith.