In the spring of 1935 a few people with Church of God background from White and Brookings, met together to discuss the possibility of starting a Church of God. Both White and Brookings were considered with Brookings being chosen. A Sunday School was organized and services began in the basement of the City Library. From April 1935 to Oct. 1936 different members of the congregation took turns in leading the services. Then Rev. A. L. Carpenter was called and served the church for 11 months. In July 1938 Rev. R. E. Reader accepted the pastorate. During his ministry of almost 2 years there were 5 families who each contributed $100 which was used to make a “contract for deed” on an existing church building located on the corner of 6th St. & 6th Ave. The total cost was $3000.00 with $500.00 due each year.
Rev. Carl M. Poe came in 1940 and pastored the church for seven years. During this time the church grew in numbers and influence in the community. At a meeting of one hundred business and professional men the Church of God was lauded as having done the finest piece of work of any church in the city in the last year.
In 1947 Rev. Russell Schield became the pastor. Pastor Schield and his wife, Mary were especially strong in music ministry and Christian Education. The Men’s Brotherhood was also organized during this time. These programs made a strong impact on the community and had a positive influence on the growth of the church.
Rev. Ralph V.. Hatch and his family came as pastor in 1954. They gave staunch leadership and the church continued to grow. The house next door to the south was purchased for use by the youth and Sunday School.
Rev.Henry Howe became the pastor in 1958 and remained with the congregation for eight years. Because of continued growth property was purchased on the east side of town just across the street from the hospital in preparation for a new facility.
Rev. Charles M. Johnson proved to be just the right man to lead during the construction of the new church building and parsonage. After the sale of the old building the congregation held services in Hillcrest School while the new facility was being constructed. The congregation continued to grow even during this time of transition.
From 1969 to the present, 2003, three pastors, Reverends Maurice Mauch, Paul Kirkpatrick and John Long have served this church, pastor Long for the last 25 years. During Pastor Long’s tenure the church name, but not its affiliation, was changed to “Morningside Community Church”. The reasoning was that “Community” would indicate a more open and inclusive environment. Beginning in 1980 various associate pastors have served in Youth, Music and Visitation. Pastor Long retired in June of 2003 and Rev. Paul Wagner retired in early 2006.
After an interim period served by Pastor Dewey Jeffrey, Senior Pastor Rev. Joe Ganahl joined us in September of 2004. In January of 2005, we welcomed Tim Bariteau as music pastor.
In 2006, Pastor Joe and the Council felt a calling to prepare for growth. Pastor TJ moved to an associate pastor position, taking on outreach and college ministries. Pastor Seth Sandau was called to come be our Family Ministries pastor. With Pastor Paul leaving, Ken Read answered the call for a Visitation pastor. Morningside also added a Counseling service with the addition of Sandra Diedrich.
