Our History
In 1919, Rev. Joseph Zanini came to Pittsfield with a God given vision. Brother Zanini was born on the Austrian-Italian border in 1898, and settled in Syracuse, New York in 1913. While in Syracuse, he received the message of salvation, and God compelled him to come to Pittsfield, Massachusetts with a vision to start a church. God revealed to him that there were many who would be saved, and that the church would be a large, growing church. Pastor Zanini was a humble, loving man who had a deep compassion for souls. He supported himself by working at Union Station, the train depot, mopping floors. Every night after church, he went to work, as God continued to strengthen and bless him.
Initially, Italian services were held in homes, but within eight years the growth of the congregation required more space. Meetings were held at a West Street location for a short time, and then at 39 North Street. The name of the church was then Assemblea Christiana Pentecostal Church. After much growth it became necessary to leave the hall on 39 North Street and build a facility of our own. Property was purchased at 16 Willis Street, and in 1947 Christian Assembly built its first church and became affiliated with the Assemblies of God.
The church continued to grow. In 1956, Pastor Joseph Beretta came from Solvay, New York, and brought the bilingual transition to Christian Assembly. In 1950 Pastor Beretta became the pastor when Rev. Zanini retired. In 1969, Pastor Thomas Grazioso came to Pittsfield and became pastor. Christian Assembly rapidly outgrew its building under Pastor Grazioso’s ministry. With much prayer, consideration, and unity of spirit, the Pastor, board members, and congregation took a step of faith and purchased the Williams Street property which is our home today. In 1973, the Christian Assembly Church was built on seven acres of farmland. Many of the men went to the church site after working a full day at their regular jobs. The women made food and brought it to the church daily. There was such a willingness of the people and great things were accomplished.
Since 1973, there have been several pastors that have faithfully served Christian Assembly over the years. Our current pastor, Rev. Joseph Nieves, was elected Senior Pastor of Christian Assembly in August 2004. Pastor Joseph, his wife Ruth, and son Joey moved to Pittsfield after pioneering and pastoring a church in Boston, MA in obedience to the call of God. The church continues to grow and move forward under Pastor Joe’s ministry.
Our founding pastor, Rev. Zanini, came to Pittsfield in obedience to the vision God had given him, to start a large, growing church. With the passing of time it has been proven that this vision was definitely from God. May those who have gone before us, as well as those who follow after us, find us faithful! May we continue to answer the call and reach people for Christ in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.