“Hearts, Hands, Heads for Christ in Service and Celebration” Eastminster Presbyterian Church extends a warm invitation. It is a place where faith thrives in service and celebration. Eastminster Presbyterian Church was founded on April 14 1957. It moved into its current building in 1961. Alden Dow designed the building.
Let’s delve into Eastminster’s history decade by decade. We will explore its congregation philosophy. We will also consider the day care that started here.
The church’s timeline marks significant milestones. The first worship service took place at All Saints Episcopal Church on February 3 1957. Rev. Robert Moreland became the first pastor in October 1957. The Women’s Association organized in the fall of 1957. By the end of 1958 church membership grew to 325. Phase 1 of the building was dedicated on January 22 1961.
In 1970 Eastminster opened Eastminster Childcare Center. The Women’s Association began Telecare Service in 1971. The church celebrated its 25th Anniversary and held its first Strawberry Festival in 1982. The Eastminster Garden was created in 1990. The church dedicated a new Dobson organ in December 1995. In 2007 the church celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary.
The Synod of Michigan and the Presbytery of Lansing formed a steering committee. This examined the desirability of creating a Presbyterian Church in East Lansing. A meeting was held on Jan. 27 at East Lansing Junior High School. More than 100 people attended. All Saints Episcopal Church offered its sanctuary for Sunday worship. By April 14 126 people had signed the petition to charter the new church.
Under Rev. Robert Moreland’s guidance Eastminster developed its congregation philosophy. The church would focus on Christian education and stewardship. It would be a faith-seeking congregation. Members would pledge financial support annually. The main functions of the session were to provide for worship. They would educate members in Christian stewardship. The goal was to give $1 to others for each $1 spent on themselves.
Eastminster’s philosophy emphasized Christian Education. All church functions would be family oriented. The congregation had a strong sense of ministry to Presbyterians at the University. Many married students were active in the church.
By 1961 Eastminster had grown to nearly 400 members. A 15-member Board of Deacons was created. Rev. Harvey Beach was hired to strengthen the youth program. Phase two of the building began.
As phase two was being completed members surveyed the area. They learned there was a need for day care. The session formed Eastminster Community Concerns as a separate corporation. The church provided space and equipment for free. The day care center opened on January 12 1970.
Rev. Paul Green became the third minister of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in 1972. The building was made available to Korean students for worship services. The church provided a scholarship at the Latin America Bible Seminary.
The Rev. Anna Kay Baker was installed at Eastminster in 1981. She revived the handbell choir. She also supervised making Chrismons for the Christmas tree. After serving Eastminster for 17 years Rev. Paul Green retired in 1988.
In 2023 Eastminster celebrated its 75th Anniversary in ministry and mission. The theme was “His Story. Our Story.” Eastminster published a hardcover book celebrating 75 years of ministry.
Eastminster’s story is one of faith. It is a story of service. It is a story of community. The church pivots quickly to providing services online. It ensures everyone stays connected through times of isolation. It is a story still being written.