Learning Center

A place where kids can build their education with a Christ-centered atmosphere...

Founders - Dr. Fred & Lucile Cottriel 

Reverend Fred Cottriel and his wife, Lucile, were pastors, evengelists, missionaries and district leaders for more than 55 years.  Their ministry took them to the major continents and to over 70 countries of the world.

Some of the highlights of their ministry include the following:

Pastor Cottriel was an Alumnus of Vanguard University of Southern California (formerly Southern California College) with advance degrees from the California Graduate School of Theology.

They led the construction and renovation of many churches and schools for the Assemblies of God in several states as well as other countries of the world, including Iran.

Dr. Fred authored articles and publications for Mountain Movers, Advance, The Pentecostal Evangel, Christian Digest, Signs, etc.  His most recent book is "The Repairman from Nazareth."

Pastor Cottriel served in the Armed Forces as a Tank Officer during World War II, received a battlefield commission and was wounded in combat.  His military experience also included the Korean Conflict.

He served as District Superintendent of the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God following a tenure as Assistant Superintendent.

Dr. Cottriel's ministry included service on the Board of Directors of Southern California College (now VUSC) for more than 20 years and three years as its Chairman, the Board of Directors of American Indian College, the National Home Missions Board and the National Foreign Missions Committee of the Assemblies of God.

He is listed in "Who's Who in Religion", for 1988, for the State of California.  In 1995, he was given the Career Achievement Award from the Alumni Association of Southern California College (Vanguard University).  He has been an adjunct professor at Vanguard University teaching Ethics, etc.

Dr. Cottriel resigned as Superintendent of the Southern California District in order to be available for special assignment with the Division of Foreign Missions where he served as Secretary for U.S. Relations.  His current assignment is assisting the AGWM in promotions, conventions, seminars, foreign teaching responsibilities, etc.  For several years he has given special emphasis to Eastern Europe.

Pastor Fred married Lucile on March 7, 1943 at Lucile's parents' home. At the time, Fred was serving in the Army. While Fred served overseas during WWII from 1944 to 1945, Lucile lived in Los Angeles where she worked as a secretary in the Southern California Divisional Offices of the Salvation Army. After Fred's return from WWII, Lucile served with her husband as ministry partner, pastoring several churches in Washington, Kentucky, and California. They served as missionaries in Europe for several years before moving to Bakersfield in 1973 to pastor First Assembly of God Church. In 1980, the Cottriels moved to Costa Mesa, CA, where Lucile served beside Fred during his tenure as Superintendent of the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God. Lucile enjoyed traveling and was privileged to minister with Fred in over 70 countries. After many years of full time ministry, Lucile and Fred returned to Bakersfield to retire in 1993. Even during retirement and until Fred's death in 2008, they continued to minister to others in various capacities in Southern California and abroad, sharing the message of Christ. Gladys "Lucile" Cottriel, age 84, passed away November 20, 2010, in Bakersfield, CA. She passed peacefully from this world into the presence of her Lord. Lucille was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting things for friends and family. She had the unique ability to remember people's name, their birthday and facts about them and their family members. To those who knew Lucile, she will be remembered as a friendly, outgoing, optimistic and caring person, who devoted her life to the Lord's ministry. Her family will miss her love, concern and companionship. Lucile's legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched as a mentor and friend.