The church was chartered December 16, 1962 with 115 members. A list of charter members is included in this history volume. The organizing service was held at First Presbyterian Church in Golden. Ironically, the church in Golden was organized by Sheldon Jackson, who went from Denver to Alaska. He organized the Northern Light Presbyterian Church in Juneau from which Dr. Sweet came.

The first boards of elders and deacons were elected immediately after the organizing service and installed. The initial group of elders was 12 but that number increased to 15 at the 1963 congregational meeting, and to 21 in 1966 as membership increased to 655. The Board of Deacons doubled its membership from six to 12 in 1964 to meet the needs of the growing congregation.

First Worship Service, Vivian School July 29, 1962

Ground Breaking, 20th & Simms January 5, 1964

Although he was the founding minister, Dr. Sweet was officially called to be the minister of Shepherd of the Hills on January 13, 1963. He was installed on February 3, 1963.    As attendance grew, additional locations were secured for church services. First, Vivian Elementary and then another dance studio on Willow Lane, just west of the lake. It soon became known as "the little green cathedral on Lena Gulch." It was small and lined with mirrors, giving the impression the gathering was larger than it actually was. Sunday School was held in this building.

The next move was to Manning Junior High School, although Sunday School continued in the "little green cathedral." Parson's Pad was next. It was a small three bedroom house at 10390 West 25th, purchased for use by the Sunday School program and many other church activities; church services were held in the nearby Vivian School. Membership was now 150.

Page 6