HISTORY
First Covenant Church of Moline

In February of 1876, a number of Swedish immigrants gathered together to discuss if there was a need to build a Swedish Lutheran church in the west end of Moline. The question was answered in the affirmative.

There were two basic factors that drew these people together. One was a powerful revival movement of the Holy Spirit that spread over Sweden for many years. Lives were changed and the presence of God was evidenced with power and sincere conversion. The other factor was the immigration of many Swedish young people to America. The church backgrounds of these immigrants were varied and this group wanted to organize a "pure Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church free from any synod or outward control". The name chosen for this new fellowship was "The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Gustav Adolphus Church of Moline, Illinois". Soon a building was erected on the corner of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street and dedicated on July 9, 1876. Fourteen years later, the congregation voted to request membership in the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant Church of America.

By the year 1900, it was evident to the congregation that they needed a larger facility. On April 9, 1900 it was decided to proceed with plans for a new church building on the corner of 10th Street and 5th Avenue. The cost was not to exceed $12,000. However, history reports that at the time of dedication the property had a value of $22,066.50 with a debt of $8,425.34. Even then budgets were often exceeded. The Lord provided, through faithful people, and it was reported at the annual meeting of 1910 that the congregation was without debt.

During this time, the community experienced a period of economic depression and many people were forced to move away from Moline. The times were difficult, but the congregation discovered the sufficiency of God's provision. It is this confidence that allowed the congregation to move forward through trying times and discover over and over again that the Lord of the Church is able to do, through committed hearts, more than believers could ever ask or think. For over sixty-eight years, on the corner of 10th Street and 5th Avenue, this truth was celebrated.

Life for the congregation continued to change, and in 1961 the membership authorized the purchase of property on 41st Street. Building plans were made and ground was broken on November 6, 1966. The present building was dedicated as First Covenant Church of Moline on April 17, 1968. On July 1, 1986 a decision was made to construct an office addition to the existing building. At the end of 1993, the church was debt free. "Praise be to the Lord." Once again, history had been repeated through the faithful stewardship of committed people.

Reflecting on 127 years of history, the thread that runs through it all is change and God's ever-present Grace. Constant changes - Swedish to English, five differed hymnals, two world wars, five regional wars, economic depressions, and 21 different pastors, on and on and on. The constancy in it all is God's unchanging Grace. Today we live in a world of great change. The congregation must meet this challenge with openness and flexibility, always celebrating God's Grace and affirming His sufficiency.