The growing Years
1979-1988
The History of Patterson Park Church
In 1980 the Lord led the leadership of the church to write a five-year plan. God blessed the church in a very gracious way with increased attendance and an expanded staff and programs. The chancel and baptistry areas were expanded and remodeled in 1980. The property at 713 Devonshire Road was purchased in May of 1980 to be used as a missionary home..
In 1982 construction began on an addition to the east side of the worship center to accommodate a growing Sunday school and AWANA program. The Community Bible Institute was established as a training center for lay men and women. John Mohler became the Minister of Music in 1984, and Doug Moss joined the staff as Associate Pastor of Evangelism and Discipleship in March 1986. Two years later Greg Trout was installed as Associate Pastor of Youth.
One of the most exciting chapters of our growing years has been in the area of missions. Our church is a sending church! John and Laura Shindeldecker began their missionary service in 1979 and are now serving in Central Asia. In 1981 Kathy (Crim) Stone was commissioned and began serving in Alaska, where she later married Mike Stone in August of 1984. For the past three years, we have sent one more couple each year to the harvest fields of the world. Mark and Sue MacKenzie left for Peru in November of 1984. John and Lois McCracken went to Korea in August of 1985. Our first missionary interns, Tim and Pegi Tehan, left in December of 1986 for language school in Costa Rica. Dr. Scott and Sandy Agnew were commissioned at our Festival of Missions in October and left for Haiti early in January 1988.
Despite the frustration of our attempt to do further building at Patterson and Shadowlawn, our attendance has held steady with over 700 attending worship services each week. The Lord has been faithful and we praise Him for His many blessings. Jesus promised that He will build His church (Matt. 16:18). He who promised is faithful!
In 1982 construction began on an addition to the east side of the worship center to accommodate a growing Sunday school and AWANA program. The Community Bible Institute was established as a training center for lay men and women. John Mohler became the Minister of Music in 1984, and Doug Moss joined the staff as Associate Pastor of Evangelism and Discipleship in March 1986. Two years later Greg Trout was installed as Associate Pastor of Youth.
One of the most exciting chapters of our growing years has been in the area of missions. Our church is a sending church! John and Laura Shindeldecker began their missionary service in 1979 and are now serving in Central Asia. In 1981 Kathy (Crim) Stone was commissioned and began serving in Alaska, where she later married Mike Stone in August of 1984. For the past three years, we have sent one more couple each year to the harvest fields of the world. Mark and Sue MacKenzie left for Peru in November of 1984. John and Lois McCracken went to Korea in August of 1985. Our first missionary interns, Tim and Pegi Tehan, left in December of 1986 for language school in Costa Rica. Dr. Scott and Sandy Agnew were commissioned at our Festival of Missions in October and left for Haiti early in January 1988.
Despite the frustration of our attempt to do further building at Patterson and Shadowlawn, our attendance has held steady with over 700 attending worship services each week. The Lord has been faithful and we praise Him for His many blessings. Jesus promised that He will build His church (Matt. 16:18). He who promised is faithful!
Click the buttons below to find documents and photos from this era.
Photo Collage
PPC is Moving!
