Building Faith In Fort Atkinson: The History of Faith Community Church

Faith Community Church had its indirect beginning when evangelist David Wilcox held tent meetings in July of 1932. God's message in song and word at those meetings brought about changed lives, among them ten men who met together, prayed, and formed the "Christian Minute Men's Committee." This Group grew in number, and in October of 1937, they began meeting in the Municipal Building's American Legion Room. Rev. John Gordon became their first pastor on January 1, 1938 and served until 1940.

Pastor Harold Powell, a young pastor from Riverside, California, was installed as pastor on March 29, 1944, and the church began to grow. At that time it was called The Open Bible Church until December 2, 1962, when it became known as Faith Community Church. The years of his ministry were marked by steady growth. On July 1, 1947, the church purchased the St. Joseph's Parish Hall at 218 N. Main Street to become its first home. Ground breaking for a new educational wing in July 1964, helped to accommodate the growing congregation. The old sanctuary was removed in September 1971, and a new sanctuary was erected adjacent to the educational wing. On August 27, 1972, the dedication of the new sanctuary was held with Dr. Stuart Briscoe as guest speaker. Pastor Powell stayed for 38 years until retirement in 1982.

Rev. William Bartz of Williams Bay was invited to be the new senior pastor in February 1982. Pastor Powell and Pastor Bartz worked together until September 1982, when Pastor Powell officially retired. With youth and energy, Pastor Bartz built on an existing solid foundation the idea of a new facility for a growing congregation. A Christian School (K-8) was established under his leadership

In October 1992, Pastor Christianson succeeded William Bartz as senior pastor, and served in that position until his retirement in January 2001. Under Pastor Christianson's leadership, the church family continued to grow. On December 10, 1995, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the current location at W5949 Hackbarth Road for a new church and school facility. Building the new structure was by faith and belief of establishing a ministry campus to glorify our Lord, and serve to expand His kingdom through Christian education, fellowship, and worship. On Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, 1996, the first service was held in the new church giving God the glory and praise. On January 19, 1997, the dedication of the new building was held with Dr. Stuart Briscoe as speaker. This period of church history was marked by a continuing commitment to prayer and missions
.In February 2001, Rev. Rick Lackore was called to lead the church and served the membership going forward into the new millennium. It was, once again, a time for the vigor of youth and vitality to pave new pathways for the future of Faith Community Church. Rev. Lackore resigned from Faith Community Church in April 2005
.In November 2005, Pastor Dan Pierce was called to be the new senior pastor of Faith Community Church. Under his leadership, FCC demonstrated its ongoing commitment to Christ by the sacrificial giving of time, energy, and resources. In July 2011 the church burned its mortgage on the present facility, freeing itself to direct more resources and ministry to the community and world for Christ. Faith Works was started by Pastor Dan in 2009 which served the community in helping with home projects. Pastor Dan resigned in February 2015

In August 2015, Pastor Rusty Lyon from California was called and accepted the position as Senior Pastor.

A commitment to intentional discipleship and relational evangelism in a loving context has highlighted his years of ministry at Faith Community Church. God is writing another new and exciting chapter in the history of Faith Community Church. The campus has undergone a significant ministry expansion. Because of that investment the youth ministry has been energized, and many opportunities for adult discipleship ministries have been made available.

Faith Community Church is located at W5949 Hackbarth Rd

Ft. Atkinson, WI 53538

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