The story of Evangel Church represents a rich history, dating back to the year 1911, and the first family of Wilhelmina Simmat. She, her family, and a 16-year-old boy named Carl Loenser emigrated from Germany to the United States. They settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey and just three years later in 1914, Mrs. Simmat began small group meetings in her home. As the group grew, the Simmat home became too small, so they moved to a storefront building on Newpoint Road in Elizabeth. She encouraged Carl Loenser to go to Bible school, and after attending Bethany Bible College in Newark and becoming ordained, Rev. Loenser became the first Pastor of the growing church.