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Brief History of the
Aurora Free Church
 “On December 26, 1906, the Articles of Incorporation of the Free Church Congregation of Homestead were drawn up and notarized in the office of Henry Melis, Register of Deeds of Florence County. In 1916, Aurora became a town separated from Homestead. The Church now became known as the Aurora Free Church.” (pages 2, 3—A History of the Aurora Free Church, prepared for the AFC’s 75th Anniversary)
So began the
history of AFC. Unless we know some history of the church,
we will fail to realize and appreciate the effort put forth
by those whom God has used to sustain and develop what today
is the Aurora Free Church. The history of the church’s
growth and development appears to have happened in three
stages.
The First
Stage 1906-1946—The
early years, as a church that was dependent on outside help
for Pastoral ministry and leadership. A few quotes from the
above mentioned history give us a picture of a church
that at times was struggling to survive.
The Second
Stage (1946-1969)
- The years
of transition when the church began to sense the need for,
then seek and finally soliciting its own
full-time Pastor. During this time, activities like a choir
and building projects increased enthusiasm and
interest for involvement in the church. Continuing
dependence on outside help for preaching, teaching and
Pastoral leadership still existed and many sensed it was
time for the church to begin actively seeking its own full
time Pastor. This would happen in 1969. It was a major step
in the transition of becoming an independent,
self-sustaining congregation.
The Third
Stage (1969-2006)
- Becoming
independent and self sustaining, the church experienced
further spiritual growth in developing its own theological
identity and capacity for ministry. It continues to grow
toward maturity as a Biblically grounded church. Looking
back, there were two important dates that gave impetus
for AFC’s growth and development. The first,
July 19,
1969;
when Reverend Walter Nordin, of the Bark River Bible
Church began serving as the church’s first full-time
Pastor. His leadership brought in the church’s structure,
schedule, and new practices (i.e. Believer’s Baptism).
A second
important date,
September
21. 1981;
the congregation voted to accept the revised By-laws of the
Church. Under these new by-laws, several changes and
policies were introduced to the life and experience of the
church. The most significant change was in leadership
of the church. It would now operate under a Board of
Elders. These Elders were to be qualified to serve by
Biblical criteria as recognized and ultimately confirmed by
the existing leadership and congregation. The impact of this
Board of Elders over the past 25 years has given oversight
to the church’s life in relationships, goals, ministries,
and experience that meet God’s standards for the Body of
Christ as revealed to us in His Written Word. It is
the Board’s hope and goal for this Third Stage of AFC’s
history to be a time of growth and development toward the
continuing spiritual maturity of the Aurora Free Church
until the Lord comes. (This document was produced by Pastor Karl Utzat for the 100 Year Celebration) |
