Atlas Twp.-What began at a small rural prayer meeting has grown into a local landmark near the county line.
Lakeview Community Church will celebrate their 40th anniversary at 10:30 a.m., Sept. 13 with a special service and a fellowship meal.
‘We have a vision here at Lakeview Community Church,? said current Pastor Jeremy Spear. ‘All of our lives are messy, we want people to be comfortable when they come to our church. Life is not nice and tight’we accept the mess, we accept you and have God work within you. People matter to God and they matter to us here at Lakeview. We’re 40 years old but we’re still a very young church.?
The first services of the church were in 1968 at youth camp facility near Tody and Washburn roads owned by the Brethren in Christ Church and The Missionary Church, who co-owned the facility known as Camp Lakeview. According to church records, a bible study was formed at the camp but soon grew too large for the lakeside gathering.
In 1973, the group purchased a 10-acre parcel near Kipp Road and M-15 for a worship area. On May 10, that same year, ground was broken and in January 1974 the building was dedicated under Pastor Ken Royer, Jr.
In 1977, average attendance for Sunday service was 76 and the first full-time pastor, Robert Verno, led the congregation. That same year the parsonage was completed and Bob, his wife Luanne, along with daughter Jennifer moved into their new home on Thanksgiving Day.
After much growth, Lakeview Community Church converted the original sanctuary into a Christian education department and fellowship hall in addition to other rooms.
Completed in 1980, the new facility could now accommodate more than 250 during Sunday service.