OUR STORY

CHURCH HISTORY

         Larkspur Christian Church’s rich roots began early in 1954 when fifty-four members of Creighton Christian Church living west of Central Avenue were commissioned to form a new congregation on the west side of town.  On March 14, 1954, a group met at the home of Joe Kirks’ to discuss the future and soon a site on West Campbell Avenue was located. The four acres that became Campbell Avenue Christian Church was renovated from a small cottage and other buildings.

         On May 15, 1954, the first Sunday school class met with twenty-nine persons in attendance.  By June, worship services began at Campbell.  In September, the Rev. Elmer Hedges was called as the first pastor.  The new fellowship hall, which also served as the sanctuary, was started in 1955 and dedicated in 1956.  An eight room educational unit was added in 1960.  Rev. Hedges ended his eight-year tenure as pastor in 1961.

         In January 1962, Rev. Homer Richardson served on an interim basis for six months.  As of July of 1962, the Rev. Homer Richardson became the new pastor.  In 1966, the Capital Christian Church disbanded and several of their members joined Campbell.  Rev. Richardson left at the end of 1967 and then Rev. Will Rogers served until the new pastor arrived.  G. Everett Figgs began his ministry in May of 1968 and served until October of 1974.  During his pastorate, more remodeling and land purchases took place.

         Dr. Robert Bowen was called after Rev. Figgs retired.  Bob preached sermons of love and Campbell became known as a friendly church.  Worship was still held in the fellowship hall.  By 1979, vandalism in the area became intolerable and the congregation decided to relocate.  In September of 1979, the present facility on Larkspur Drive was purchased from the Christ Community Church and the entire congregation moved still farther north and west.  The church name was changed to reflect the new location.  Bob Bowen continued his ministry with Larkspur Christian Church until he felt called to serve his Lord in foreign missions work.  “At Larkspur It’s the Love”.

         Revs. Les and Sadie Lowrey became interim pastors and added a rich variety of style and substance to church life.  Rev. Lloyd Spark’s also ministered part time during the summer after the Lowery’s re-retired.

         In September of 1985, Dr. Michael Oden began his ministry at Larkspur.  The church continued to grow in the tradition of love germinated in the pioneer Campbell Avenue Christian Church.  Membership was increasing and physical improvements were made.  The Chancel was remodeled, two new stained glass windows installed and a new-lighted sign was installed to make the church more visible to the community.  Dr. Oden’s last day at Larkspur was July 3, 1988.  Dr. Oden and his wife moved to Amarillo, Texas where he became the organizing pastor of a new congregation.

         The Revs. Mike and Laurie Carlson, Co-Pastors of Glendale First Christian Church, provided interim ministerial leadership from August 3 to September 4, 1988.

         Chaplain James Rivett, Rev. R. LaVern Ervin and Dr. Clark Youngblood served as supply ministers at various times.

The Revs. Les and Sadie Lowrey began as interim ministers on October 1, 1988, and continued until the hiring of Rev. Jim Cox.

         Rev. Jim Cox became the pastor on January 8, 1989, and was with Larkspur for seven years.  During these seven years, Pastor Cox watched Larkspur grow in spirit and in understanding.  Larkspur learned to live in a complicated world but with a focus in the right direction, and “eyes upon Jesus.”  Pastor Cox reiterated the phrase “At Larkspur….It’s the Love”.  It has been expressed in so many different ways: by the generosity in providing the basic necessities of life for the needful in our community; by the lifting up of prayers in behalf of those who are hurting – because of illness or injury, of sorrow or grief; going the second mile for others, even as the congregation itself faced major needs.  These were set aside to help others.  Rev. Cox left Larkspur in 1995.

         When Rev. Cox retired, the congregation felt we could not afford an interim minister while we went through the search process.  Leonard McDonald was with us for several weeks.  One of Larkspur’s members, Dick Garst, volunteered to preach on Sundays while we continued our search.  Cindy Dobson, the minister from Glendale First Christian, agreed to be on call for hospital visitation, marriages and funerals.  She served us in this capacity through 1996.

During the summer of 1996, we formed a very special relationship with God’s House of Worship. They have used our facilities for baptism and some potlucks.

  Dick Garst retired from teaching and became a licensed Lay Pastor.  The search committee unanimously recommended Dick Garst to become our pastor.  A congregational meeting was held on January 5, 1997, and the congregation voted to extend a call to Rev. Dick Garst to serve Larkspur as its pastor.  Rev. Garst officially became Larkspur’s pastor on August 1, 1997.  However, in April 1997, Dick Garst was installed as our new minister.

         Since 1997, under the leadership of Rev. Garst, Larkspur has undergone many changes.  We had a “Miracle Day” on November 14, 1998, when other Disciples churches helped us improve our facilities; we purchased new heat pumps for the fellowship hall and church office building; we purchased new carpeting and pew cushions for the sanctuary; we purchased a new organ for the sanctuary; we purchased a new riding mower; re-roofed the sanctuary and fellowship hall; installed a new sprinkler system along with other property improvements.  In partnership with the Westown Watch Community and the City of Phoenix, a Youth and Senior Center is operating on our property.  In addition, we opened our facilities to Cactus Capers AA group and Tough Love group to have their meetings here.  It is truly a blessing to open our facility to the community.  Under Pastor Garst’s leadership, Larkspur continues to grow spiritually as well as physically. 

         On November 3, 2002, Larkspur Christian Church congregation approved the proposal to be a “Host Congregation” to a newly forming Hispanic Congregation, Igelesia Christiana El Buen Samaritano.  The Hispanic Congregation is under the leadership of Rev. Rafael Grado and his wife Anna.  The Hispanic Congregation meets each Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for worship services.  Again, this is an opportunity for Larkspur Christian Church to minister to our community and to share our facilities with others.  

         Under Pastor Garst’s leadership in 2002, Larkspur Christian Church has grown slightly over the 2001-year’s attendance.

         In 2003, Larkspur Christian Church added three new members.  Average weekly attendance was around sixty-five.  We continued to improve the physical appearance by a fresh coat of paint, new carpet in the breezeway, a security door installed by the handicapped restroom and a new gate installed at the north end of the breezeway.  Larkspur Christian Church continues to open its facilities to outside groups.

         One of the largest projects for Larkspur Christian Church in 2003 was to have installed a new projector system for the sanctuary.  This has proven to be quite successful in our worship services.  The feedback from the congregation has been very positive.

         In 2004, Larkspur Christian Church celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary Reception on May 16, 2004.  A more formal celebration was held on October 24, 2004, with about one hundred in attendance. Eva Van Ess, a charter member, chaired this event. We sold commemorative cookbooks and coasters to help defray costs. Pastor Richard Garst retired after serving Larkspur Christian Church for eight years and nine months. Rev. Skip Hughes was called to serve as interim pastor November 1, 2004. A Search Committee was formed and Vern Glossup was appointed chairperson of this committee.  Average weekly attendance stayed at sixty-five. A Retirement Reception, chaired by Rev. Sadie Lowrey, was held on November 13, 2004, to honor Pastor Richard Garst for his service to Larkspur Christian Church.  In 2004, Larkspur Christian Church added ten new members.

         As we look forward to 2005, we also will face many challenges.  May God uphold Larkspur Christian Church in these days of transition and lead us in the direction that will be best for Larkspur Christian Church members and friends.

         In 2005, Larkspur Christian Church was under the leadership of interim pastor Rev. Skip Hughes and Rev. Jim Sterling. Larkspur added three new members in 2005. However, the average worship attendance dropped to fifty-seven members and friends. The search committee provided a survey to members and friends to fill out so that the committee could use it as a tool to search for a new pastor.  There was a break-in and computer equipment was stolen. The security system was upgraded to discourage further unauthorized entry into the facility. Improvements were made to the parking lot. This period of transition has been difficult for everyone. We continue to pray that God will guide the search committee in making the necessary decisions and choices and to provide us with a new pastor by the end of 2006.

In 2006, Larkspur Christian Church was still in the search process for a new minister. The search committee felt that we could not afford an interim minister while we went through the search process.  For the first five months of 2006, we used Pulpit Supply for Sunday worship services. The following persons helped us out during this period to bring the morning message. The elders, Pam Huggins, Rev. Don Jones, Vern Glossup, Rev. Sadie Lowrey, Jackie McBride, Rev. Nick Greenwalt, Rev. Gloria Pulido, Judy Gregg, Rev. Anna Grado, Rev. Dr. Dennis Williams, Elizabeth Grasham, Rev. Job J. Cobos, Rev. Dr. Dan Gregg, Rev. Kathy Gimmett, Rev. Phil Hills, and Rev. David Coatsworth.

During this period the average weekly attendance was fifty-one.

On May 14, 2006, a special board meeting was called for board approval to issue a Letter of Calling to Rev. Job J. Cobos. The board approved unanimously to present the Letter of Calling to the congregation for approval. A special congregational meeting was called on May 21, 2006. Vern Glossup, Search Committee Chairman, presented the qualifications of Rev. Job J. Cobos and recommended that the congregation issue a Letter of Calling to him. The congregation unanimously approved issuing a Letter of Calling to Rev. Job J. Cobos.

Rev. Job J. Cobos accepted the Letter of Calling and began his new duties as pastor of Larkspur Christian Church on June 1, 2006.

Under Rev. Cobos leadership, ground work was laid to improve the facilities at Larkspur Christian Church. A Buildings and Grounds task force was appointed. Designers were hired and their renderings are on display in the narthex area. We project that a Capital Fund Campaign will begin sometime early in 2007 to complete the proposed projects.

Because of Rev. Cobos commitments before he was hired at Larkspur Christian Church, the pulpit was filled on occasions by Rev. Ruth Wallace, and Rev. Carol McAninch-Pritz. 

Average weekly attendance from June 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 stayed at fifty. However, during this period we added six new members.  

Through Rev. Cobos leadership we added a summer prayer group focusing on the Prayer of Jabez, Spiritual Growth Nights and Musical Sundays. 

We also hired a new organist, Ramona Yoder.  

Under Rev. Job J. Cobos leadership we look forward to 2007. We are confident that Rev. Cobos will continue to be an asset to the congregation here at Larkspur Christian Church. May God continue to bless Rev. Cobos and the Larkspur Christian Church congregation during these important years of facility changes and growth. 

In 2007 we added twenty new members. Larkspur had a very successful Capital Funds Campaign and Stewardship Drive. The drainage and site plans were submitted to the City of Phoenix for approval. We installed new security doors for the restrooms, repairs were made on one of the pews to assist the handicapped, one classroom was repainted and new carpet installed. In addition, we purchased a chair dolly for storage. We continue to be blessed with the leadership of Rev. Job J. Cobos. Rev. Cobos has a vision for Larkspur and he is always ready with an extra pair of hands and a smile. He is very spiritual and keeps the congregation focused on Jesus.

A meeting with a representative from the New Beginnings program was held on November 15, 2007. The representative took time to look at our church and the community and met with key leaders to discuss the possibility of moving forward with the New Beginnings program.

The congregation has been faithful and patient with the delays on the improvements to the grounds and facilities. Attendance is averaging sixty-one to sixty-five each week. We look forward to 2008 and the challenges it will bring to us. 

            In 2008, we had a series of setbacks due to the City of Phoenix failure to approve our site plans. We are still waiting for their approval to begin our remodeling plans. We are keeping our thoughts and prayers on the situation and are hopeful that the plans will be approved soon.

         We also lost the Youth Center due to cutbacks in the City of Phoenix budget. A Grant Committee will be searching for new funding so that Larkspur will again be able to serve the youth in our community.

         Improvements this year included a new stove for the kitchen, painting the church office and new office furniture was purchased.

         We are averaging sixty-two people at Sunday morning worship. We added four new members this year.  We were saddened by the deaths of Carol Latham, Pat Largent and Don Jones.

         We continue to reach out to the community by sharing our facilities with Iglesia Cristiana El Buen Samaritano and Support Through Other Parents (STOP) group. We have had several visitors from the neighborhood that expressed a desire to make Larkspur Christian Church their church home.

         Hopefully, 2009 will prove to be a positive year for Larkspur Christian Church and that our construction project will begin. We know that 2009 may prove challenging and difficult for us due to the present economic situation. With God’s guidance and our prayers everything will happen in it’s time.

         In 2009, we added thirteen new members. One which was through baptism. We continue to improve our facilities with Capital Funds. A new air conditioner unit was installed, a new sprinkler system was installed and grass seeded and a six foot fence was installed around the courtyard. In addition, the roof was replaced with the help of hard working men from the Hispanic church and from our congregation. Rev. Rafael Grado and Vern Glossup were instrumental in the completion of the roof. The ladies from the two congregations kept the workers in food and drinks.  When the new air conditioning unit was installed, we had to hire an electrician to put in a completely new line of wiring as there was an electrical short in the old wiring.

The next phase of improvements for 2010 will be new restrooms, and painting and repairing the outside of the building. The Capital Fund Campaign will end June 2010; however, we are encouraging members to keep on giving to the Building Fund so we can finish upgrading and remodeling our facility. We are still waiting on the City of Phoenix to approve our plans for the parking lot.

         Most of our programs were very successful in 2009. The Spiritual Growth Nights had an average of thirty participants in attendance at each event. The adult Sunday school class during the summer had good attendance. The elementary age Sunday school class, under the leadership of Pam Delgado, is doing quite well. The kids have excellent attendance and participated in Youth Sundays this year. The high school youth meet regularly with the pastor for ten minutes each Sunday. The pastor also has a prayer group meeting for ten minutes each Sunday before worship. The CWF group is averaging around twelve in attendance at their monthly meetings.

         The high school youth and adults participated in volunteering at the Westside Food Bank, cleaning Larkspur’s adopted street and picked grapefruit for the food bank.

         Larkspur updated the church Bylaws in 2009, to coincide with the revised Constitution that was adopted in 2008.  Our thanks to Karl McBride for assuming this responsibility and for making the necessary changes.

         Our Minister of Music, Ramona Yoder, resigned during 2009 after three years of service. We were very fortunate to have several wonderful musicians cover for us, until we were able to hire in January 2010. They were Donna Rempel, Joyce Raglow, and Laura Hunter. Ramona Yoder filled in on occasion, too. Thank you ladies for your beautiful music and for helping us out.

         Larkspur Christian Church has two ladies that are in training for the ministry.  Christy Comer plans to become a chaplain and Kega Leffard plans to be a pastor, with emphasis on Evangelism and Outreach. Larkspur’s congregation approved Kega’s title, Minister of Evangelism and Outreach. This is a non-paid position. Both of these ladies assist Pastor Cobos with worship and other duties.

         Larkspur is still blessed with the leadership of our pastor, Job J. Cobos. He is a pastor that treats everyone equally and not being a respecter of persons. He continues to keep the congregation focused on Jesus and gives excellent sermons each Sunday. Through our pastor, and many other people, contributes to the smooth functioning of the Larkspur Christian Church.

         We trust that our lives and Larkspur will be blessed in 2010.