Our History
The congregation that's now known as Elizabeth Presbyterian Church
has been together for decades. Until 2001, the church was known as
St. Mark Presbyterian, part of a three-church family that also
included churches in Kiowa and Elbert. The three churches shared a
pastor and administrative staff person, and operated their programs
jointly.
In September of 2001, the Elizabeth church struck out on its own,
with its own pastor, administrative staff and programs. There was
just one worship service then, traditional in style. Average
attendance in those first few months was about 122. In 2002, EPC
added a youth director/worship leader to the staff and initiated a
second worship service, this one contemporary in style.
Over the next several years, EPC experienced a surge of
growth that led to the offering of a third Sunday-morning worship
service. In September of 2004, in response to growth, and out of
desire to bring a truly impactful ministry of service to the
Elizabeth community, the congregation of EPC authorized its
leadership to begin the process of planning for the expansion of
church facilities.
With the help of grants from the Presbytery of Denver,
two residential properties were purchased across the street to the
north of the sanctuary. These properties will provide all the
necessary parking space required for a new sanctuary that will seat
approximately 300 people, and provide expanded Christian Ed space on
the floor below. The new building will be constructed on the
property presently occupied by the manse and courtyard. In Phase II,
plans call for the present sanctuary to be rebuilt to provide a
long-needed fellowship hall, which would also function as a mission
center for our youth and seniors ministries, food bank and other
mission acitivities.
Originally, plans called for completion of at least Phase I by late
2010. However, that timetable has been relaxed due to the departure
of our previous pastor and the necessity of focusing on the pastor
search process. As EPC makes its way through this transitional time,
the congregation continues to carry out and even expand its mission
in the Elizabeth community. And it continues to be the warm,
welcoming group it has always been.
These are exciting times at Elizabeth Presbyterian Church.
With the choosing of a new pastor, we have the opportunity to
revitalize our ministry and reach out to the community with new hope
and excitement. The Lord has planted EPC in the middle of a rapidly
growing mission field, where many do not know the Lord, and many are
hurting. And He is building His church to minister to their needs in
the name of Jesus Christ.
