Sunrise Presbyterian Church

THE START

    Post-war boom and prosperity triggered Salina's sprawl to the south and east. By 1951, the Rev. James Elliott, pastor of First Presbyterian Church downtown, watched the subdivisions sprout where wheat once grew and asked the Board of National Missions to examine the need for a new church.  The board concurred with the Rev. Elliott's evaluation, and on March 21, 1952, the Solomon Presbytery bought land at the corner of Roach and Beloit for a church.
    Less than two years later, on Jan. 1, 1954, the Rev. Bryant Hall received the call to organize the new church.  There was still no building and no name, but that didn't slow the church organizing process.  With permission from the Salina School District, members worshipped for more than a year at nearby Heusner Elementary School.

     The Rev. Hall conducted the first service there on March 21, 1954.
     A month later the congregation of 121 members launched six Mariner ships -- Corvettes, Cruisers, Navigators, Skiffs, Trawlers and Voyagers.  On April 21 the Solomon Presbytery recognized the church for two record-setting achievements. No church was ever organized quicker, and none started with more charter members.  The church school bell first pealed on April 25.
     Three months later, on July 18, construction started on the manse.  The Rev. Hall and family moved in that November.  The Westminster Youth Fellowship started in August and Sunrise Presbyterian Women organized in November.  After an ambitious fund-raising effort, members broke ground for the new church in 1955.  By then the congregation had voted on the name Sunrise, chosen from a list that also included Redeemer, Mission, Westminster and John Knox.  The building was dedicated on Nov. 6, 1955, five months after the first service there on June 24.   By the end of the year membership soared to nearly 500.     As a result, Sunday School experienced growing pains.  In 1960 the Session authorized some relief with the addition to the education wing, including a basement.

The church's growth suffered a setback in 1965 with the closing of Schilling Air Force Base, an economic blow that rocked the entire community.   Sunrise membership dropped significantly, as did Salina's population.   Despite the crisis, the church forged ahead with renovations to the sidewalks, driveway, sanctuary windows.  Drapes and carpet were added.  At this time the offices were moved to the east part of the building.   By 1973, with Schilling's closing mostly a memory, Sunrise physically grew again.  The congregation approved the construction of the Multi-purpose room as well as an extensive renovation of the sanctuary and a second expansion of the education wing.

Since its organization Sunrise has been served by the following pastors: Bryant Hall, Dinsmore Stockdale, George Hoglan (interim), Reinhold Schmidt, Jim Rhaesa, Barry Gruver (associate), Gary Coppedge (associate), Hugh Marsh (interim), William McGaughy, Dr. Bob Lay (interim), Pat Sibley (interim), Dr. Bob Lay, Pat Hurley (interim), Alice McDowell (interim),  Rev. Don Schroeder, Dr. Patty Brown-Barnett (interim), Ray Fancher (interim), Dr. John H. Pehrson, and  Rev. Paul Copeland (interim)..

Sunrise Presbyterian Church has always been at the forefront of ministry and mission.  This is demonstrated in our own community through the activities of the Hunger Barrel program, Souper Bowl, involvement of Project Salina, initiator of worship at the Smoky Hill River Festival, hosting the Red Cross Bloodmobile drives and a variety of other community organizations and Scout groups. This congregation also built a Habitat for Humanity house, raising the money and the labor from within our members.  Sunrise is seen in the Presbytery of Northern Kansas as a strong supporter of mission.  We have hosted key Presbytery Educational events for the past number of years.  Strong support of Synod Mission is seen through our involvement in projects and worship leadership at our local Presbyterian Manor.  Commitment to national and international mission is seen in our strong financial support which ranks our congregation's giving for mission as one of the strongest in our Presbytery.

    This congregation has secured a staff that helps in the fulfillment of the ministry and mission. Rev. Dr. John H. Pehrson serves as Pastor of Sunrise.  In worship and music Amanda Gawith directs the music program and the adult choir groups.  Sue Will is organist for our choir and all of our worship services.  Eric Corby directs the Sunrise Shiners.  Scott Bley directs Bell Choir: The Sunrise Ringers.
    Christian Education is a very strong part of the life of Sunrise.  Patti Fiedler serves as the Director of Congregational Nurture.
       Our church office secretary is Kathie Garr.   Karmel Swindler is our financial secretary.  JoAnn Gile is our Treasurer.  Sunrise News & Views editor and webmaster is Jeanne Sebree.  Our building is regularly maintained by Greg & Sherril Kerr.