In 1972 three students involved with the Inter-Varsity Campus Fellowship of RPI began a Bible study on the Oneonta State University Campus. Townspeople joined the students and the meeting place shifted into a house on Maple Street called Fisherman’s Wharf.
In 1975 the group started Sunday morning services. They became acquainted with Don Yarborough through his wife Jackie (Jackie attended Fisherman’s Wharf when she was a student at Hartwick College.) After the Yarborough’s arrival on October 20, 1976, the small congregation rented the Knights of Columbus building on Grove Street. But because the building was too big and cold the group accepted First Baptist Church’s offer to rent two classrooms. The small group called itself The Community Gospel Church. Within months the congregation grew to 75 people and overflowed the classrooms.
When they heard that the Knights of Columbus building could be purchased for $35,000.00, one of the elders suggested that they make an offer of $15,000.00. The Knights of Columbus surprised them by accepting the low offer and then the church leaders had to somehow raise the needed monies. Miraculously, the need was met with an anonymous donation of $10,000.00 and several pledges from congregants. On September 12, 1979, Community Gospel Church owned the building they had once rented.
CGC grew, especially with young families, and in 1983, we opened a Christian School, Community Gospel Christian School which later became Lighthouse Christian Academy. After serving students in the Oneonta area for 35 years, LCA merged with another Christian school to form Otsego Christian Academy in 2018.
Pastor Don served CGC faithfully for 47 years until his death in 2023. His loss was felt greatly in the community and beyond. Following his passing, the elders for CGC appointed and installed Dennis and Amy Kropp as lead pastors on August 13, 2023. Dennis and Amy, Don’s daughter, along with Pastor Rodney Dirig, a founding elder of CGC, enthusiastically picked up the mantle Don left behind and are in the process of revitalization and discipleship of Community Gospel Church. We pray for revival and growth in the Holy Spirit.