History of ERNC

Locally, we trace our roots back to the date of August 8, 1943 when 23 individuals, some friends others as family members realized their vision for making a difference come true as Elk River Church was granted its charter.

Fall of 1942, God began laying the foundation for the formation of Elk River. Several members of the Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene began to pray and ask the Lord for where they should plant a seed. That seed was Elk River Church. They prayed. They visited. They worked. With their Pastor’s permission, this small group began designating their tithes to finance the foundations for this seed church.

In July 1943, Davis Creek Church sponsored a tent revival along Elk River Road. The Lord honored the sacrifices of this cell group with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This outpouring attested that God indeed wanted a church along Elk River Road. August 1943 Elk River was birthed and it charter for organization was granted.

Our worship together began in a tent, then an old converted house, a house that stretched the young congregation with its first building program. Two thousand five hundred dollars was needed to just purchase the home. But with their vision, spare time, money and talents this young band of Christians improved the foundation of the home, cleaned, painted and built benches and a podium – everyone did their part. The first official building of Elk River was ready for ministry.

As the congregation continued to increase so did the blessings of the Lord on this band of believers. But the need for larger facilities became apparent. In 1957 Elk River moved into a new brick and mortar facility located on the banks of the Elk. Since this date our congregation has seen the church re-built due to a total loss fire; then a new facility due to the need for larger Worship facilities and

parking. Our next move was to Bigley Avenue, now the Salvation Army Church. The church continued to grow in size and ministry. In 1977 the need became apparent that once again a new facility was in the future for Elk River. The legacy continued in 1983 as we moved to the churches present location on Dutch Road. Our ministry continues today as we become a part of our community.

Our years have seen many great leaders of the faith minister at Elk River. Some teachers, some preachers and yet some pastors, but all these were called by our Lord to lead his flock. The scripture in Jeremiah 3:15 reminds us that “I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” To this day God continues providing Pastors as to the need of our congregation. Many great lay leaders have also ministered and lead our congregation. Some have ended their journey on this earth and are home with their Lord. But God always keeps his Word burning in the hearts of his people. May we continue to share the gospel as our early church family did so diligently. But may we never forget the heritage they left before us.

We are excited to share more with you about our church and our church family. It is our desire to minister to you as well as offer the opportunity for you to minister and present Elk River Church as a place of worship and spiritual growth to your family and friends.

Come and Join Us At…

"The River!"