Church History
In 1982, Rev. Phil Howard answered a call from the Northeastern District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance to begin a new work in the Plattsburgh area. In May of 1982, after confirmation from the Lord, he and his young family moved to 3 Genesee Lane into a parsonage purchased by the Northeastern District of the C&MA. At that time, there was only one family, the Baldomir's, who were willing to help with this project. Pastor Phil spent several weeks canvassing Plattsburgh and getting to know the people in general. Initially, a few Sunday services were held at the Baldomir's and Howard's; however, the first official Sunday service was held October 3, 1982 at the Holiday Inn, Plattsburgh, with an attendance of 10. This facility was rented to the congregation for the next year and by that time, the average attendance was 50. Weekly prayer meetings were held at the Howard's and later on at the Fehr's.
In September of 1983, through the help of a Holiday Inn waitress, came knowledge of the availability of the North Country Squares Building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. In October 1983, church services began at the "Squares" building. Now that a facility was available for the whole day, a Sunday evening service was added as well as luncheons and evening fellowships.
May of 1984 brought some more "firsts". A baptismal service on May 13th was held at the "Y" with 5 people being baptized. The first "commissioning service" for college students was also held on the 13th. In September 1984, the first missionary conference was held with the meetings being held in private homes. The ladies in the church organized a Tupperware party and presented the two missionaries with a great assortment of Tupperware. By now the average Sunday attendance was 60 and it was about this time that the church became officially organized.
In 1985, many of the military families who attended the church were transferred. This was a particularly painful time for all, especially since some of these people were with the church almost from the beginning. However, growth sometimes is painful and the Lord taught many of His people valuable lessons during this difficult transition. One truth that does stand out is that no matter how far away any member of God's family moves, He will someday bring us all together at Jesus' feet!
Summer of 1985 was and exciting time. Vacation Bible School was held at one of the church family's home with an average attendance of 45. In the same month, a baptismal service was held by the shores of Lake Champlain with 11 baptisms. By the end of 1985, the average attendance was 70.
Winter of 1986 brought news of the Harris Graphics closing. This would ultimately cause one-third of the congregation to be transferred out of the area. The next several months were filled with tearful farewells, yet God's people remained confident that He would supply their needs. During these years, the need for a more permanent facility was evident. The people prayed, a building fund was started and many doors were opened only to be shut again.
Then in the winter of 1987-88, property became available in an ideal location on Route 3 in West Plattsburgh. This property consisted of approximately 6 acres with a brick 2 story house. After prayer and fasting, it was decided to put in a bid for approximately $64,000. This was accepted and an informal dedication service was held March 6, 1988 with much praise given to the Lord. The Alliance Development Fund assisted with a much appreciated financial loan.
In the summer of 1988, construction of a 35'x35' sanctuary addition began. Sunday services were still being held at the Squares building while remodeling and construction were going on. By the end of 1989, the average Sunday morning attendance was 93.
Much happiness and joy were reflected on the faces of the congregation as they moved into the new building and held the first Sunday service on March 25, 1990. The building was ready to welcome friends and visitors alike with fully equipped nursery, Sunday school rooms, kitchen, restroom facilities and handicap ramp and restroom, and God's people stand by to welcome newcomers and to be a friend to all.
The North Country Alliance Church now serves the Plattsburgh area emphasizing the all-sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King. God has already worked in hundreds of lives for His glory.
This story or "His"story of North Country Alliance Church is by no means completed. God's hand of blessing continued in the new location on Route 3. Attendance increased and an additional Sunday morning service was added. Over time it became apparent that a larger facility was needed. Again through prayer and fasting God led the church to its current location in the former Air Force Base chapel located at 7 Northern Avenue. In December of 2001 church services began at our new location.
The work has just begun. However, with a solid core of committed people, much will be accomplished to further God's Kingdom. The North Country Alliance Church family truly believes it when they sing...
"TO GOD BE THE GLORY
GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!"
To be continued...