Eastlake First Congregational celebrates 95th birthday

Eastlake First Congregational Church, 12630 Second St., Eastlake, will mark its 95th anniversary June 13 with a day of celebration of its rich heritage.

    The public is invited to attend the 9 a.m. church service and an afternoon program at 2 p.m., that will feature the recognition of past members and guests, a rededication of memorials and a music program led by local Broomfield group Homeward Bound.

    “The members of Eastlake Congregational Church represent the essence of Colorado culture and faith,” said the Rev. Linda Crump-Bertram. “From the early settlement of the town of Eastlake, the church has been a vital part of the community’s life.”

    The First Congregational Church held its first services in 1914 in the room over the Eastlake pool hall. In the fall of that year, Sunday school classes were held in the home of Mrs. W.A. Twombley, who lived in a boxcar. As attendance grew, it became apparent that a more permanent church building was needed. In December 1914, a petition was circulated to raise money to begin the construction.  Because it was the dead of winter, the ground was frozen. So groundbreaking was questionable. However, by covering the ground with straw and burning it, the ground was defrosted enough to begin excavation.  The construction progressed quickly and soon, the building was finished for the first church service June 13, 1915.

    Over the years, the church has had more than 30 pastors and has made many improvements, such as upgrading the furnace from coal to hot water heat, adding a fellowship hall and kitchen, and installing an elevator.  The church members are active in community and missionary projects that spread the word of their faith.

    In 1957, the church joined a protestant denomination founded by a merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church.