Covenant News

Peninsula Covenant Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry

REDWOOD CITY, CA (September 19, 2001) - More than 1,000 attended 50th anniversary celebration services at Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC) in Redwood City this past Sunday as Dr. David Larsen, the congregation's first pastor, spoke at morning and evening services.

The church has an average worship attendance of 750, according Todd Gumbrecht, administrative support staff member. The church's founder, Carl Johanson, past Pacific Southwest Conference Supt. John Notehelfer and current Supt. Evelyn M.R. Johnson were among the special guests. Notehelfer served as the church's first associate pastor in 1959. Johnson was an associate pastor before becoming conference superintendent.

Two dozen people met in the home of Carl and Millie Johanson during August 1951 for the first official event in the church's history. The conference asked Carl Johanson to help start a church in that area. Larsen led the congregation's first worship service on September 16, 1951, at a local Seventh Day Adventist church.

Peninsula Covenant purchased the former sanctuary of Redeemer Lutheran Church in 1953. In 1959, the 225-member congregation purchased the present 10-acre site, which included a swimming pool, for $115,000. The church was able to purchase a local community center in 1973, which has allowed the congregation to expand its ministry. The three-acre community center has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and five tennis courts. The church has incorporated those facilities into sports programs that draw people from throughout the area served by the church.

Peninsula Covenant will continue its anniversary celebration February 15-17 with a weekend series of events. For more information, call the church office at 650-365-8094.

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