Shadle Park Presbyterian Church originated in 1947 as a Mission Congregation under the name Boulevard Heights Presbyterian Church, meeting in the Field School Annex on North Ash. Rev. Russell Stewart and his wife, Dorothy, served as organizing pastors.
At the time, Rowan and Alberta was considered "on the edge of nowhere," but farsighted members said, "This is the place to build" and in a short time, the neighborhood around the church was full of children. In fact, it was decided that since there were so many children in the area and the church school was so large, the sensible move was to build first an education unit with a room suitable for use as a sanctuary.
In October 1949, the congregation called Rev. Hugh Bronson to be pastor. He and his wife, Agnes, served until March, 1953. Under his leadership, the Shadle Park Presbyterian church was incorporated as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. on February 12, 1950, with 105 charter members.
The Sunday School continued to grow and in a very short time had outgrown the new building. Space was rented in the Loma Vista School for part of the Sunday morning program. In the fall of 1952, the men of the church erected Bronson hall on the site of our present sanctuary. This was a frame building large enough to be used for basketball, as well as classes.
In June 1953, Edwin J. Casper and his wife, Georgia, accepted the call to Shadle. through both of their efforts, the Christian education program of the church was greatly strengthened and a strong your program was established. they served until February 1958.
Construction of the chapel began in 1956. The Chapel (our present library/chapel/pastoral offices) was dedicated May 19. 1957. The Rev. Charles Shirk and his wife, Ruth, arrived at Shadle in February 1959 and served together until September 1965. They worked especially hard in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, which ministered to many children.
Rev. Harvey Petersen and his wife, Wynell, arrived in late summer 1966. Under Harvey's leadership, interest in the church increased, new programs and classes started and the finances were stabilized. Due to growing ministry needs, in 1971 the session recommended the construction of the educational and gymnasium-social unit (located where our present sanctuary in now). Building began in 1974 and was dedicated in June 1980. Rev. Peterson resigned in 1976 and Rev. Richard Avery became pastor in April 1977. Thankfully, the congregation is still blessed by Dick's dedicated leadership, strongly supported by Judy and the rest of the family.
The 1980s saw tremendous growth in worship attendance, adult education opportunities, Bible study groups, a full-time youth director, and a full-time associate in ministry, the deacon/shepherd ministry and increased involvement in both local and world missions.
In 1990 the church was renovated with a beautiful new sanctuary and many other updates. The 1990s brought continued spiritual depth and growth. In 1991 our Associate in Ministry position became an ordained Associate Pastor position. Reverends Cindy and Greg Carter joined the staff as Associate Pastors in August 1991 and have served as a great team with Rev. Avery.
Shadle Park Presbyterian Church has seen both joy and sorrow, ups and downs, delight and disappointment. Yet, through it all, God is working out his purposes in us and through us. As Paul said in Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."