photos, 2009 by William A. Greene
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ANDOVER CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY
ALLIANCE CHURCH
Information found:
Andover Sesquicentennial Book 1974
Rose Mary Billings Munkes
Compiled by William A. Greene
The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Andover has presented an active ministry in this community, since its
inception as a home prayer meeting in 1937. Perhaps the youngest congregation in the community, the church was officially organized as a church on May 10th, 1939, with six charter members. In those early days, the church met in a room over the old movie house on East Greenwood
Street (the Sugar Bowl owned by John Karcanes). Several other locations were the residence of the small church.
After considering many sites, the committee, elected by the church membership, bought the former Dean
schoolhouse which stood on land between what is now Baker Road and New York State Route 417 on the Burch family property. The church people transported the schoolhouse to its present location on Rochambeau Ave. Rev. Harley A. Beckwith (grandfather of the current Secretary – Rose Mary
Billings Munkes) was instrumental in getting the schoolhouse moved to Rochambeau Avenue. For a time the church had no basement sub-structure, but, as the church grew, the need for more space prompted the committee to enlarge. Stories have been told of how the Lord supplied the money to pay
for this project. Added improvements over the years, including a huge church renovation in the early 1990’s, have been made. During the ministry of Rev. Bruce A. Crossley, the church building was doubled in size, adding two additional Sunday school rooms, furnace room, an extra bathroom,
and doubled the size of the sanctuary. A parking lot was added in the rear of the property.
In October of 1972, the church purchased a parsonage for future pastors and their families. The property
purchased was the former Ruger house on 8 Baker Street in the village. The house was repainted and repairs were made. Over the years, an addition was made to the property. The property was sold in the 1990’s, as the current pastor, Rev. Bruce Crossley purchased the Given’s farm in
Independence and the church purchased a home located at One Rochambeau Avenue, the former home of the Everett Davis family, for use as a new parsonage.
The Andover Christian and Missionary Alliance church has had over twenty pastors since its inception in 1939
until the present 2009.
Over the years, the Church has strived to be a blessing to the community. The church is active in offering
vacation bible school, missionary conferences, clothing give aways and is an active participant in the Lenten Community Services. The church has hosted Pulpit-in-the Park services at the American Legion Park many summers and has hosted special musical outreach services on the school lawn
during the 4th of July celebrations. Although small in numbers, the Andover Christian and Missionary Alliance Church continues to be a vital part of the religious heritage of Andover.
PASTORS
NAME |
STARTING DATE |
ENDING DATE |
Rev. Milton C. Hume |
1/1/1939 |
1/1/1944 |
Rev. Charles C. Olenhouse |
2/4/1945 |
5/27/1945 |
Rev. I. Russell Clark |
8/1/1946 |
8/31/1947 |
Dr. Gordon F. Larson |
9/1/1947 |
6/1/1949 |
Rev. Edward D. Poser |
7/1/1950 |
9/1/1953 |
Mr. Charles M. Abbott |
10/1/1953 |
5/1/1955 |
Rev. Richard W. Pendell |
6/1/1955 |
9/1/1957 |
Rev. Melvin E. Vance |
9/1/1957 |
5/31/1958 |
Mr. Carl A. Hokanson |
6/1/1958 |
6/1/1959 |
Mr. Richard W. Beals |
9/1/1959 |
9/1/1960 |
Mr. Donald T. Geffers |
9/1/1961 |
1/1/1967 |
Rev. Milton C. Hume |
1/1/1968 |
1/1/1972 |
Rev. Stephen B. Clark |
8/1/1972 |
8/1/1974 |
Rev. Jeffery A. Mackey |
9/21/1974 |
5/1/1976 |
Rev. Richard A. Storr |
12/1/1976 |
9/16/1979 |
Rev. David J. Smith |
1/21/1980 |
10/19/1985 |
Rev. Robert J. Witchey |
3/30/1986 |
10/2/1988 |
Rev. Stephen B. Clark |
4/4/1993 |
4/30/1995 |
Rev. Bruce A. Crossley |
12/11/1998 |
8/31/2001 |
Mr. G. W. Anderson |
12/1/2001 |
6/3/2007 |
Rev. Philip Barner |
3/8/2009 |
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