History: A Legacy of Faith

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Alton Presbyterian Church is a Christ-centered community of believers dedicated to worship, fellowship, and service. As part of the ECO Presbyterian Church family, we are committed to following Jesus and sharing His love with the world. Grounded in Scripture, we believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, guiding us in every aspect of our lives.

 

Our journey of faith began in 1890, when we were first established as a Congregational Church in Alton, Iowa. Just a year later, on September 27, 1891, our original church building was dedicated—built for $2,500 and heated by a single furnace. On August 1, 1911, the Congregational Church was dissolved, and the First Presbyterian Church was founded. Our first pastor, Rev. A.L. Sarchet of Jefferson, IA, led his first worship service on February 11, 1912, earning an annual salary of $900.

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Growth and Transformation

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Through the years, our church has undergone significant transformations, each one reflecting the faith and dedication of our congregation:

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• 1918 – A major remodeling project enlarged the church and manse. The church was raised and moved back six feet, a basement was dug, and a new foundation was laid. The balcony was removed, and the sanctuary was enhanced with new pews, windows, light fixtures, and hardwood floors.

• 2000 – Our beautiful stained-glass windows were lovingly restored after decades of wear and deterioration. Through the generosity of our congregation and extended church family, the project was completed over five months, and the windows were rededicated in the fall of that year.

• 2006 – Another extensive renovation brought significant improvements. The steeple, church bell, and main steps were removed to make way for a new narthex, providing an office, a restroom, and a new entrance to the sanctuary. An elevator was installed, making all three levels of the church accessible, and the basement was remodeled to better serve our growing needs.

• 2018 - Joined the ECO - A Covenant Order of Presbyterians

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Our Church Today

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Today, we are blessed to be led by Pastor Harlan De Jong. Though we are a small congregation, we are mighty in spirit, bound by faith, and committed to serving God and our community. We invite you to visit us and experience the love and presence of God at work in our midst. No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here!

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