During the year, the property at 1956 Simms was purchased, and later rented, before it was sold in 1984. Prosper VanMeulebrook's name was removed from the staff list as a parish associate.

Dr. Robert F. Hermanson was invited to be interim pastor for the period June to December 1983. His contract was later extended into 1984 pending the installation of a new senior minister. Rev. Willis requested dissolution of her associate pastor relationship in May, and in November, the church clarified the distinction between ministers (not teaching elders) and elders, not ruling elders.

Church members burned the mortgage in a special service on May 27, 1984. Mission recommended use of the church as a shelter for the In Jesus Name program for the summer months. Carol Cartwright became director of Christian Education, serving on staff through 1991.

Dr. J. Edgar McDonald Jr. was nominated to be the new senior pastor. He arrived July 15 and was officially installed on October 7, 1984.


Dr. Alan Landes
Pastor, 1988-1999

Building Addition
Completed, 1994

In 1985, Brian Bush, who worked with the youth, became a candidate for ministry and was recommended to Denver Presbytery for consideration. Other staff changes occurred and special services were held in conjunction with First Presbyterian of Lakewood and Green Mountain Presbyterian churches.

Special music of the season included an Advent Musical Evening, Alpine String Quartet and the Colorado Brass Quintet. The Jubilant Voice group for grades four through nine started this year, too. Dr. Bill Schlessinger of Project Verdad was the featured speaker during Mission Emphasis Week and Eden's Half Acre Garden plots adjacent to the parking lot enabled needy families to grow garden vegetables.

Facilities Committee worked on a new roof, sound system and organ update. Proceeds from an Italian progressive dinner benefited Ethiopian famine relief and during 1985 Don Mabry reported on the church installing a computer.

The relationship with Dr. McDonald was dissolved in 1986, and the Rev. Gilbert C. Murphy was called to be the interim pastor in October. Jane Hays was named a parish associate in November 1986.

The Shepherd's Courtyard was also dedicated in 1986. It includes a garden and a columbarium for inurnment of remains of those who choose to be cremated. The courtyard serves the church exceptionally well for both social events and quiet personal reflection.

A Pastor Nominating Committee was elected in April 1987 to search for a new senior pastor, while Mary and Lynn Carpenter agreed to co-chair the church's 25th anniversary celebration. On a sad note, members mourned the death of Malcolm Sweet in March.

An information center was located in the narthex in 1988 and the music program had a joint concert with the Dana College band. A youth choir began that year despite changes in the music department staff. Bill O'Connell left his position as youth director to attend seminary.

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