History

On March 27, 1938, a group of devout people from more than a dozen different affiliations established an interdenominational community church, "a house of prayer for all people." They named it The Church at Litchfield Park. Within a year, a sanctuary and a bell tower had been erected. In 1946 a colonnade was built to provide classrooms and a kitchen, and five years later the south wing of the church, containing Zieske Hall, the pastor's office, and additional Sunday school classrooms, was completed.

On October 27, 1971, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which had built, maintained and owned the church for nearly a third of a century, deeded the building and one and a half acres of land to the membership at a cost of one dollar.

Many changes, along with steady growth, have characterized the last twenty years. A new and enlarged sanctuary was so carefully accomplished that few could now determine where the classic adobe ends and the new nave and chancel begin. The additional space gave the church fourteen new pews, facilities for choir practice and robing, and a sacristy. At the same time, it was decided to prepare a Garden of Memories. With low stucco walls, graceful wrought iron gates, a fountain, and tree-shaded, flower bordered paths, it is a safe place where members who so wish may have their ashes laid to rest.

In September 1991, the Watt House, which previously had served as the parsonage, was enlarged so that the Thrift Shop would have a permanent home. The rest of the house was remodeled and dedicated to serve the youth of the church and community. A year later, a nursery and five large classrooms with built-in cabinets, work areas; washbasins and restroom facilities were completed. An enclosed playground with play structures came just as a wave of young families with small children joined the Church.

The social hall, with a stage and commercial kitchen, would be the last jewel in the crown of the campus. On Palm Sunday, March 31, 1996, after thirteen years of planning and hard work by the dedicated and faithful members and friends of the church, the hall was dedicated and named after the pastor, Judson A. Souers.

With a membership now at nearly one thousand, The Church at Litchfield Park stands today on a firm foundation, ready to be a servant to our growing family of faith and to the larger family of God.