It all began in June 1984 when Reverend Vincent Fraser and Sister Errolyn Fraser, along with their three young daughters, Gracelyn, Tramaine, and Carolyn, were staying in Brooklyn, New York, after returning from a trip to their native Guyana, South America. The youngest family member, Jewel, was born several years later after the Frasers had settled in Kansas City.
Back in Guyana, Reverend and Mrs. Fraser had been pastors of Victory Tabernacle Assembly of God in Soesdyke for fifteen and a half years. At that time, the Kansas City section of the Assemblies of God organization was planning to start a new church in the area. Pastor Sydney Ramphal, then secretary of the Kansas City Sectional Committee, along with a group of Assemblies of God pastors from the Southern Missouri District, had just returned from a missions trip to Guyana. They were advised to contact the Frasers in Brooklyn about pioneering a new church in Kansas City.
Initially hesitant, Pastor Fraser agreed to visit Kansas City after Pastor Ramphal encouraged him to pray about it. On July 17, 1984, the Fraser family flew to Kansas City. The next day, they met with the Assemblies of God sectional committee at Central Assembly in Raytown, Missouri, and received full endorsement and support to plant the new church. Sectional Presbyter Harley Sampson and Pastor Fraser spent the week searching for the ideal location. On July 24, 1984, after much prayer, they found a two-story building at 6135 Prospect Ave, which was perfect for their needs. The building, previously occupied by a business manufacturing air fresheners for motor vehicles, had a three-bedroom apartment on the top floor and the occupant had recently given notice that they would not be renewing the lease. The Kansas City section of Assemblies of God agreed to purchase the property and the Fraser family returned to New York to prepare for their permanent move.
On September 21, 1984, they set up their home on the second floor and began renovating the first floor and basement. Several area Assembly of God churches assisted with the renovations. Pastor Harley Sampson did all the electrical work. Pastor David Comfort of the First Assembly of God in Blue Springs played a crucial role in helping Glad Tidings get established and the Frasers get settled. He provided significant assistance, including helping with the church basement renovation. Pastor Larry Hoskins and Souls Harbor Assembly of God in Independence assisted with remodeling the restrooms. Pastor Bill Newby and Central Assembly of God in Raytown built the stage and repaired the ceiling. Loma Vista Assembly donated carpeting, and Evangel Temple Assembly donated the pulpit and pews. These major contributions helped Glad Tidings Church get off to a strong start.
Before the official launch of the church and while renovations were still ongoing, Pastor and Sister Fraser began holding Bible study and prayer meetings in their home on the second floor of the building. They invited everyone they met, including Brother Robert and Sister Jennifer Thomas, who became the first members of Glad Tidings Church and are still actively involved in the ministry today. Pastor Fraser and Pastor David Comfort came up with the name “Glad Tidings” for the new ministry. On Sunday, November 25, 1984, approximately 50 members from area Assembly of God churches and friends attended the church’s grand opening. It was a day of celebration and the beginning of the fulfillment of many visions.
Glad Tidings grew and officially became a self-supporting General Council church on September 2, 1990. The first official board of deacons included Robert Thomas, L.H. Dawn, and William J. Adams III. During their time at 6135 Prospect, the church experienced salvation, discipleship, bonding, and growth. The church soon became full, necessitating a larger facility.
On Sunday, April 17, 1994, after nine years and four months, ground was broken at 2830 E. 60th St. to begin construction of a new facility. The property was purchased inexpensively from the City of Kansas City as it was considered useless land. A miracle occurred when the new 71 Highway project began, coinciding with the church’s building project. The church received over 4,000 truckloads of free soil and all necessary equipment to develop the property at no cost. This was a great miracle of God’s favor towards Glad Tidings Church.
As construction began, the church received technical advice from Brother Dick Shaw of Shaw Electric Company. Brother John King, a construction engineer, and a team of volunteers from Lenexa Christian Center of Kansas donated funds and supervised the internal layouts and construction. Pastor Harley Sampson introduced the church to the management and ownership at the Bank of Lee’s Summit, which facilitated future financing for additional building projects.
In 1996, Sister Errolyn Fraser felt the calling to start a child development center. She returned to college to obtain degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child and Family Studies to supervise this ministry. Glad Tidings Christian Academy and Daycare was a blessing to the church, neighborhood, and community, positively impacting hundreds of children and families over its 26 years of existence until closing shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
The past 40 years have been both challenging and rewarding. From hearing the call of God to go, to seeing the ministry become a blessing in the community, it has been nothing short of a miracle. These years have been filled with birthing and sacrifice, sowing and reaping, suffering and rejoicing. God will continue to use this ministry to impact many lives through the church’s various auxiliaries and ministries. We are so thankful to the Lord for the privilege of being called.
We are humbled by the Lord’s call to move to Kansas City over 40 years ago and deeply grateful for all our beloved brethren who have been led by the Lord to join the Glad Tidings Church family over the years. To God be the glory for all that has been accomplished. We look forward to even greater successes, should Jesus tarry.
Pastor
deaconesses
Deacon
Deacon
Glad Tidings Assembly of God: Loving God, Serving People, and Leading Our Community to Christ.
Copyright 2025 Glad Tidings Assembly of God. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Marshall Multimedia Technology LLC.
