Covenant News

McPherson (KS) Church Marks 125 Years of Ministry

McPHERSON, KS (March 2, 2005) - Midwest Conference Associate Supt. David Benedict was among 583 in attendance as Countryside Covenant Church celebrated 125 years of ministry last Sunday (February 27).

Following worship services, the congregation hosted a cake and punch reception, said Linda Totman, the church's administrative secretary. Countryside Covenant was organized on February 26, 1880, by Swedish immigrants who had come to the area as farmers. It was then named Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of McPherson, Kansas.

Rev. O.E. Almstrom was the first "called" pastor for the congregation. The congregation used a remodeled school house at its initial worship building. They didn't move into a new building into 1950, relocating from the downtown of the city into a residential area.

According to a 100th anniversary historical booklet, worship services at the church were conducted solely in Swedish until 1933. In 1980, the church changed its name to its current moniker and moved into the building it now uses for worship. In 2001, a new worship center – seating around 700 - was built onto the existing facility.

Countryside Covenant Church is located in central Kansas in a town of 14,000. From now until November, the church will hold one special anniversary event per month (except June). The final commemorative event is being held October 1-2 as Evangelical Covenant Church President Glenn R. Palmberg will attend. He will speak at a Saturday evening banquet October 1 and preach at the church's two worship services on October 2.

For more information about the church and its ministries, call 620-241-4499 or visit the church website at www.csidecov.org.

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