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Covenant Presbyterian Church was organized March 27, 1929 as a congregation in the United Presbyterian Church of North America. For thirty years it was known as The First United Presbyterian Church in Hammond. The congregation first met in Anderson Hall at the corner of Martha and Kennedy Avenue, then later moved to the basement of the present chapel. The original sanctuary was opened in 1935 having been built largely by volunteer effort. Steady growth made additional space necessary for Sunday School classes, so the annex was constructed in 1951-52.
Pastor John Eastwood came to Covenant In 1953 and the congregation grew significantly over the next two decades. A vibrant Christian Education ministry and a strong emphasis on missions marked the church and it gained a reputation of being a loving family in the community. During Pastor Eastwood's 35 year tenure as Senior Pastor numerous assistant pastors and youth workers were also called into service by the church.
In 1958 the UPCNA merged with the United Presbyterian Church in the USA and the congregation's name was changed to Covenant Presbyterian Church. A new sanctuary was dedicated in 1961. Liberalism was a growing problem in the UPCUSA and eventually Covenant withdrew from the denomination in 1980. In 1982 the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) received Covenant into its membership. Pastor E. Crowell Cooley came to Covenant as Assistant Pastor in 1985 and became Senior Pastor the following year when Pastor Eastwood retired. Pastor Alan Lutz followed Pastor Cooley in 1994 and continues to serve as the Senior Pastor. Pastor Joe Hall currently serves as Associate Pastor and is also the Professor of Church History at Mid America Reformed Seminary which is nearby.
Covenant enjoys a rich history of nearly seventy years and has a respected presence in the community. Our leadership combines the wisdom of years with the commitment and vision of younger families who face the challenge of ministering to a changing culture and society. Our goal, like that of the PCA at its foundation, is to be "loyal to the Scripture, faithful to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission." We believe His purpose is to build His church in spirit and number according to His Covenant promise, "I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
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