Church History

Late in the fall of 1932, after being ministered to by Arvid Nyquist for about a year and a half, a group of Christian people felt the need for an interdenominational church where believers, basing their faith in the fundamental truths of the Bible, could assemble for worship. The Advent Christian Church of Armstrong was opened for services. Adrian Lauritzen, a resident of the community, volunteered to preach the Word of God each Sunday morning. At first an eleven o´clock Sunday morning worship service was held, but later a Sunday School and a midweek song and prayer service were organized.

In the fall of 1934, Adrian´s duties elsewhere made it impossible to continue his work at the church. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Thompson, (Alliance) who were attending the St. Paul Bible Institute, came to minister to this group of Christians. Sunday evening services were begun at this time. After their graduation from the Bible Institute in June of 1935, the Thompsons were called to the pastorate of the church. An active young people´s society was established. The children met once a week for their K.Y.B. (Know Your Bible) Club. Several of our young people who were preparing for full time service looked back on their little club as a great spiritual blessing in their lives. The pastor, realizing that every growing church must have a missionary vision, set aside one Sunday offering each month to be used for missions. Both home and foreign missionaries were welcomed to come and present their fields to the people. This came at a time when the pastor was making five dollars a week and had to work at other jobs to support himself. In 1940, Rev Thompson felt called of the Lord to accept a pastorate in California. The first church board was set up before the Thompsons left.

In the summer of 1940 Rev. and Mrs. Roy Stenlund (Alliance) were called to continue the work of the church. Mrs. Stenlund organized the first women´s missionary group known as the Dorcus Society whose aim was to sew for, pray, and otherwise assist missionaries as much as possible. In the fall of 1941 a house was acquired and remodeled for a parsonage. The church was incorporated at this time, and the name of Armstrong Community Church was adopted. The Stenlunds served until the summer of 1944.

Rev. and Mrs. Ivan Carlson (Evangelical Free) arrived the first of November in 1944 to take up the duties as the pastor of the church. Shortly after Rev. Carlson´s arrival, a church constitution was adopted and church membership established. In the summer of 1945 the men felt they could serve the Lord more effectively by organizing a Men´s Fellowship. This group ministered at the Revival Mission in Minneapolis. Rev. Carlson is remembered for his Bible studies, especially those on prophecy, and for his effective work with our young people. Rev. Carlson left to take up a home missionary work in northern Wisconsin late in the summer of 1947.

Rev. Ambrose Collins (Evangelical Free) and his family arrived in November of 1947. He soon began to emphasize Sunday School work. A number of new pupils were added. With the increase and the steady growth of previous years, conditions for maintaining an effective Sunday School were almost impossible. The church board was granted permission by the town board to use the Independence Town Hall. The Primary Department of the Sunday School was moved there. In the summer of 1948 discussion was begun as to the advisability of providing a new church building. Plans were studied and a church building fund set up. Late in July of 1949 construction of the new building was begun on property given to the church by the Hedin family. On February 13, 1950 the name of Armstrong Community Church was changed to that of Maple Plain Community Church. With thankfulness to God for providing the needs and gratitude to friends and members who had worked so diligently, the church was ready to be occupied on the 12th of March, 1950. Pastor Ambrose Collins left the pastorate of the church in 1951 after having seen work begun in the new church and knowing that through his ministry a number had been added to the body of Christ.

The following year two interim pastors were hired who contributed much in valuable service to the progress of the church. The first, Rev. Kenneth Englund (Covenant) performed invaluable service to the church through his sweet, quiet spirit in solving some of the problems that arose in our new location and building. He served the church from October 1, 1951 until May 25, 1952 when he left to start a missionary work in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The second interim pastor, Rev. Bill Sibley (Alliance) and his family came on June 1, 1952 and left on August 31 of the same year to take a pastorate in in Vermillion, South Dakota. Rev. Sibley is remembered for his singing and his evangelistic messages. Many of the congregation remember a phrase he often quoted from James 1:2, "Count it all joy."

On September 7, 1952 the Ray Nelson (Evangelical Free) family arrived. Their ministry continued until August 25, 1957. In retrospect, it is evident that God led each man to the Maple Plain Community Church to fulfill a particular service in the continued growth and spiritual welfare of the congregation. Pastor nelson met every situation with a smile, love, understanding and confidence that the problem could be solved with patience and God´s help. He was a man of great energy who found time for varied services from repair work on the church and parsonage to camping with the Young People´s groups. It was his recognition of the need for interchurch fellowship among the youth of this area that brought about the organization of the Minnetonka Youth Fellowship. He is well remembered for his teaching of the practical application of Christianity to "every day" living. Much was accomplished in this period to make the church a stronger working unit. In 1954, the church formally wrote up Articles of Incorporation. These articles were required by the State of Minnesota for the purpose of owning property. On March 13, 1955, the mortgage burning ceremony for the original church building was held. At that time one board governed the church with deacons being taken from that board. In 1962 separate Trustee and Deacon boards were formed.

The Lester Waits (Baptist) served the congregation from November 3, 1957 until August of 1960. They left to go to Taipei, Taiwan as missionaries under Overseas Crusade. The Wait´s ministry in Maple Plain was especially effective with the young people. They introduced the Navigator course of Bible study and memorization to the group which encouraged a deeper knowledge of the truths of the Bible through consistent study. Pastor Wait and his wife, Virginia, had a deep concern for those without Christ.

The next pastor the Lord led to us was Rev Wayne Lehsten (Evangelical Free) who arrived on September 18, 1960. He had a very special way of visiting those who were ill and bringing encouragement to them. By the spring of 1961, we were very badly in need of more space for Sunday School and Youth activities. Plans were studied and the west addition was built which added office, classroom, and nursery space. Pastor Lehsten is remembered for expository Bible teaching and his work with the college age young people. The Lehstens left in the summer of 1963 to take charge of a new work in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Rev. James Franklin (Alliance) and his family arrived to assume his duties with the church on September 1, 1963. He served as a pastor for the longest period of time anyone has served at our church. We are grateful to the Lord for the enlarged outreach in church service we experienced during these years. In addition to Sunday worship, youth meetings and midweek services, we added Christian Service Brigade for the boys and the Pioneer Girls program. We had 165 young people from the community enrolled in these clubs with 35 adult leaders working with them. Mrs. Franklin taught a number of Bible studies that were organized in various areas of the community. At that time we had four Bible study groups meeting in the church and four Bible dialogue groups meeting in homes on Wednesday evenings. Through these varied avenues of outreach a number of individuals came to a personal acceptance of Christ as their Savior. Our parsonage had been located on Delano Avenue until 1966 at which time it was sold to Rev. Ernest Anderson. The present parsonage was moved in from a site in Brooklyn Park. Bill Stubbs directed a group of men from the church in that move. The cost of the parsonage was about $21,000. Attendance expansion led the church to vote for two services in February of 1970. This continued until the completion of the new sanctuary. The new sanctuary was begun in the fall of 1973, after several years of discussion of need and the resulting fund drive. building began with a cost goal of $160,000. The first Sunday of services was August 11, 1974 and dedication of the sanctuary followed on the 24th of November, 1974. The Frankins left Maple Plain in April of 1978 to take a pastorate in Arkansas. Their ministry was greatly appreciated. Pastor Franklin was very effective in calling on the sick and in individual counseling. During these years, the church attendance grew significantly.

In the early 1970´s, Pastor and Mrs Roy Stenlund (Alliance) moved back to our community. In 1973 the congregation asked Pastor Roy to become our visitation pastor. He and his wife Hazel were well accepted as they visited members of the congregation and others in the area. pastor Stenlund´s joyous spirit was always welcome. He was active in teaching Sunday School and Wednesday evening Bible classes. Because of health problems, he felt he should resign in 1985. It was a privilege to have the Stenlunds serve us at two different periods of our church history.

During 1976, the congregation called Harry Bolwyn (Alliance) as full time Associate pastor. Pastor Harry and Mrs. Bolwyn came to us from Montana and remained for eight months. Pastor Harry was an energetic, cheerful person whom we all enjoyed. Through his organization, the youth groups as well as the whole church had a number of special fellowship events. He also had a great desire to see the church building made attractive. He and several others laid colorful patchwork carpets in many of the Sunday School rooms.

Kerry and Beth Ascher (Alliance) attended our church while enrolled at St. Paul Bible College. After the Bolywns left there were asked to assume the work with the Young people. They spent many hours building friendships with the youth. They conducted a number of retreats and camping trips. Perhaps best remembered were those to a ranch in Wyoming. Beth trained a group of six girls known as "The Daughters of the King" who gave converts in other churches as well as at home. Kerry was sent by the church to a course on Lay Evangelism Outreach. He then trained others to carry on that work. In 1983 he was called to pastor a church in South Dakota. He had served as Youth Pastor for about six years.

Rev. Paul and Mrs. Wood and their family came to Maple Plain in September of 1978. They served with much love and understanding. They were prompt and faithful in visiting the sick and those in need of comfort and counsel. Mrs. Wood was active in the music ministry of the church. Pastor Wood was an outstanding Bible teacher. In these years, there was a renewed interest in Bible study. The Village School of the Bible was held in the church for two years with a number of the congregation participating in intensive studies. Many of them testify to new insights and appreciation for the Bible. On Wednesday evenings, several home Bible study groups were sustained with lay leaders. In addition, several neighborhood Bible studies and prayer groups were organized by young mothers who found it difficult to get out at night with their children. The young people were active with Bible quizzing which required study and memorization of Bible passages. Pastor Wood and several men from the church served on the board of the Greater Minneapolis Association of Evangelicals. Pastor Wood also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Waconia Hospital. In 1993, during Pastor Wood´s pastorate, the west wing of the church facility was built including a gymnasium and Christian Education rooms. In June, 1995, Pastor Wood retired from full time work after 16 1/2 years of ministry to MPCC.

Pastor and Mrs. Roland Lesieur (Alliance) came to our church in September of 1983. They served for one year. Roland was called to be a Youth minister and Assistant Pastor.

In 1984, Keith Williamson became our music director. We have a dedicated choir whose music brings us great blessing. The Lord is praised with a Steinway Grand Piano, an Allen Organ and a Handbell Choir added while Keith was serving the church until 1992.

Bryan and Cindi Elliot (Alliance) had been helping with the youth work for some time. Brian was asked in 1985 if he would become Assistant pastor with a major emphasis on youth ministry. After much prayer, Bryan resigned from his company to accept the challenging work at Maple Plain Community Church. Bryan´s home was open to the young people after school games, after various services, and for Bible studies on Wednesday evenings. Cindi had a special ministry to the young people by working with Bryan as well as in personal counselling with individuals. Bryan´s knowledge of computers and mechanical skill were a great blessing to the church. In 1993, Bryan accepted the call of the Christ the King Alliance Church in Boise, Idaho to be senior pastor. Bryan and Cindi gave 17 years of excellent service to Maple Plain Community Church.

Troy and Deana Bondy were added to the church staff as part time Youth Leader in 1989 after serving as volunteer youth leaders. They served until June of 1992 when Troy accepted a full time position with the Sauk Rapids Alliance Church.

In 1993, Dan Gudopp (C&MA) was installed as Associate Pastor with emphasis on youth ministries. Dan ministered with a high degree of energy. He organized a variety of youth activities, involving the parents in the planning process. Dan was skilled in leading the music portion of the Sunday morning worship service. Dan, his wife Nancy, and their daughter Erica, lived in the parsonage north of the church.

Rev. Carl Eckdahl and his wife Ione, returned to Maple Plain after spending many years as missionaries to Ecuador. In 1994, they were installed as part time staff members with a focus on visitation and discipleship. Carl and Ione are a caring couple, reaching out to many in the congregation. They have visited members of the congregation and have also entertained many of them in their home for rewarding fellowship. Both Carl and Ione have led Bible studies for couples as well as women´s studies (Ione).

Beginning in September of 1995, Rev. Bruce Leastman served as Interim Senior Pastor for three months. His outstanding sermons, caring interaction, and shared insights were very beneficial to our congregation. Pastor Leastman´s weekend seminar and his subsequent report, "Observations and Suggestions", gave our lay leadership and pastors specific areas in our church needing attention. Both Pastor Bruce and Mary Leastman were greatly appreciated by all of us at MPCC. In February, 1996, Rev. Larry Thorson was installed as Sr. Pastor. Pastor Larry, and his wife Leslie, with their three children, returned to this country after spending 5 years in Ecuador (Chaplain at the C&MA Academy in Quito, Ecuador). Pastor Larry was a personable pastor to the congregation, providing sermons that were practical for everyday living. He organized a training program for the congregation through "Equipping University" that contained three segments: fundamental beliefs, growing in faith, and developing your ministry. Leslie was active in children´s ministries, both in Sunday School and other youth events. In June, 1998, Pastor Larry Thorson resigned to follow God´s call to the C&MA Northwestern district office where he became Assistant to the District Superintendent for Church Health. Mike Picconatto and his wife Elissa were added to the church staff in August, 1996, when Pastor Mike was installed as Pastor of Student Ministries. He is a very dedicated staff member with a genuine commitment to the youth. He has a good relationship with our young people and has inspired them to reach out to their friends. Pastor Mike has led our youth on several missions trips including one to North Carolina and another to Texas. He also leads part of the Sunday morning worship service. In August, 1998, Dr. Mark Lee assumed the position of Interim Sr. Pastor of MPCC until the end of 1999.

In 2000, God blessed MPCC again by bringing Pastor Gregg Donnelly (EV Free) and his wife, Jan, to our midst. They have had an amazing ministry to both the congregation and the community. Pastor Donnelly is extremely caring with a heart for those who have yet to put their faith in Jesus Christ. During his time at the church, he has challenged the congregation to be a people of prayer who put their faith into action each week. The Lord has blessed Maple Plain Community Church in numerous ways. We thank Him. Our prayer as a congregation is that we will grow in love and in service to one another and that we will bear much spiritual fruit. As we view the past and look to the future, we thank God for leading our fellowship of believers.