“As much as a pastor is a gracious gift of God to lead, and teach, and shepherd you, there is a higher leader, teacher, and shepherd in the person of Christ that all of us long for and no human can fully live up to.”
TIMELINE
1899
To remember our past is to remember our godly heritage. Our church traces its earliest roots back to the waning months of 1899 when a friendship developed between Mr. Vinton Brush and Mr. George Buchanan.
February of 1900 saw these two men meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Backus of Harborcreek. Shortly thereafter a representative of what would someday become the Christian & Missionary Alliance appointed Mr. Buchanan as the leader of the Alliance work in Erie.
Pictured: C&MA Founder,
Dr. A.B. Simpson
1916
On November 25, 1916, the Reverend H.N. Harvey came to Erie as a supply pastor. The following February 1917, he consented to become the church’s second pastor. The church grew very slowly for five years. After much prayer and a long trial of faith, God sent a gracious revival.
A large duplex house was purchased on West 11th Street near Sassafras Street for $20,000. This building was remodeled, and the congregation moved into its new quarters on October 2, 1923.
1965
The church would enjoy more than fifty years of fruitful ministry at 145 West 11th Street. The name of the church was officially changed to “The First Alliance Church of Erie, Pennsylvania of the Christian & Missionary Alliance” on October 6, 1965.
1975
The 11th Street property was sold, and a new 33-acre property was purchased in Millcreek Township. Ground was broken on September 14, 1975. A new facility was constructed at 2939 Zimmerly Road and dedicated on November 21, 1976.
Later, a new sanctuary would be constructed and dedicated on December 9, 1979. The west wing/office addition was dedicated on September 21, 1986; and the dedication of the new East Wing (Phase 1) was held on October 18, 1998, and ground was broken on July 25, 1999 for a new 900-seat worship center which was completed in mid-2000.
TODAY
Having transitioned fifty years ago from an inner-city church in the heart of Erie to where we are today, FAC has maintained its evangelical Great Commission focus of reaching the lost, baptizing and discipling Christ followers. In the past decade FAC implemented an alternative contemporary worship service - a “church within the church” - called “Epic Faith.” After several years, the leaders of Epic Faith launched out to become an independent body of believers known today as “Elevate Church” which has maintained a vibrant presence in the Erie community.
What ties FAC today through its 125 years of existence is a consistent focus in all its ministries and programs on Jesus Christ in the times of blessing and struggles.
