History

Liberty Lake Community Church History

Prior to the formation of the church at Liberty Lake, there were many different efforts to provide spiritual leadership in the community.  During the summers, various family groups would hold Sunday school and worship services at a variety of locations around the lake.  Sometimes they met in the school house at the corner of Sprague and Molter, the Elks Club near 1st and Club House Rd., or various homes and open lots.

The Madson Family, with the encouragement of Miss Amanda Madson, donated a portion of land at the corner of Garry Rd. and Melkapsi to the church.  The church was founded on January 22, 1953.

Art and Linnie Rice, a leading family, worked so hard for many years.  At times the entire Sunday school arrived in their car.  Their commitment was deeply appreciated.

The American Sunday School Union helped to establish a permanent Sunday school and church under the direction of Rev. Hugh Collins.  He was a student at Whitworth College.  Later, Rev. Maurice Peterson served on a part-time basis, and the present worship center was completed.

In 1965, Rev. Ray Ruef came aboard as the first full-time Pastor.  During the next 24 years, the present office area and lower classrooms were completed along with the building of the new education building now housing a daycare, preschool and kindergarten.  The basement, which had been the first worship center, and the sanctuary above it were remodeled with memorial gifts from the congregation and friends and families of the Liberty Lake community.  While there were many different lay leaders who served with distinction, two families gave extended and strong leadership to the church.  They were Jack and Mildred Brereton and Anton and Evelyn Rasmussen.