Our Church History

The establishing of the body of believers presently known as the Living Word Foursquare Gospel Church began in 1931. Through the prayers and efforts of Mrs. Aline Stultz, mother of the late Frank Stultz, and Mrs. Maude Payne, mother of Clydith Demicel, Rev. Pauline Lange and her son Harte, pioneer pastors, arrived in Canon City, Colorado. Services began on September 14, 1931 in Shaffer's Hall at 426 1/2 Main Street. The Langes ministered until Rev. and Mrs. Glen McCannish arrived in July 1933.

Under the Leadership of Rev. and Mrs. Marion Miller, the First Church of the Foursquare Gospel of Canon City received its charter from the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel of Los Angeles, California in September 1934. Serving respectively as pastors during the years from 1935 through 1940 were the following: Rev. Gordon McKean, Merril Nichols, Archie Dahlin, Marie Sievers assisted by Martha Engel, Marjorie McGee (McCammon) and Sylvia Carlson, Rev. Dalmar Von Glahn, Walter Wilson and Wilma Zimmerman.

In 1940 the lot at 413 North 5th Street was purchased and in 1941 the basement for the building was excavated. During 1942-1945, under the ministry of Rev. and Mrs. T.J. Tuttle, the present building was erected. After the church was dedicated in February 1945, the Tuttle's returned to Panama as missionaries.

Rev. and Mrs. Millard Parrish pastored from September 1945 through June 1946; They were succeeded by Rev. and Mrs. Cleo Jefcoat, who pastored through June 1947. Sister Jefcoat painted the beautiful picture which hangs behind the baptistery.

From August 1947 until July 5, 1953, the body of believers continued to grow under the stewardship of Rev. Gertrude Dahlin, Rev. and Mrs. Fred Johnson, and Rev. and Mrs. George Myers. During Rev. and Mrs. Paul E. Jones' tenure, from July 1953 to April 1959, the corner lot and the little house were purchased and the church annex, consisted of a parsonage, Sunday School rooms and fellowship hall, was built.

Rev. and Mrs. Earl Hobson served as pastors from April 12, 1959 until June 30, 1964. In September 1959, Sister Hobson organized the local chapter of United Foursquare Women.

Serving as pastors from July 1964 through May 1969 were Rev. and Mrs. Merle Rudnick. Rev. L.D. McKee filled in as pastor until Rev. and Mrs. Otis Eubank arrived on June 22, 1969.; During the Eubank's tenure, a new heating and air conditioning unit was installed and the building was given a colorful stone facelift by the late Judge Morlock.

In October 1971, Rev. and Mrs. William Sparks became pastors and served until November 1973. The installation of indirect lighting and paneling during this period gave the sanctuary a warm, new look.

From November 1973 until Rev. and Mrs. Duane Shipman arrived as pastors in February 1974, Rev. Merle Rudnick, Rev. Leonard Angel and Rev. Paul Shipman, Sr. served as supply ministers.

July 30, 1978 was Rev. and Mrs. Duane Shipman's farewell service, and on August 6, 1978, Rev. and Mrs. V.L. (Jack) Ballinger assumed the pastorate. Further enhancement of the sanctuary has been accomplished by the remodeling of the platform and the installation of new carpet, pews, overhead lights and fans. A new sound system has greatly improved the acoustics. A convenient asphalt parking lot has been added, and a lighted sign on the corner property was built by Albert and Bill Demicell.

In September 1984, Rev. and Mrs. Roger Fanska were appointed pastors of the church. During their ministry a fire broke out in the basement of the church. Extensive remodeling of the basement and sanctuary platform had to be done. During the remodeling process the church met at the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

July 1990 saw the departure of the Fanska's and in August 1990, Rev. and Mrs. Doug King were appointed as pastors of the Shadow Hills Foursquare Gospel Church. Under their ministry the church received a new slogan name: "Living Word Foursquare Gospel Church". A new sign was erected on the corner of 5th and Harrison to reflect the new name. The church received an exterior painting and four Name of God banners for the sanctuary.

August 1994 saw the departure of Rev. and Mrs. King. In October 1994, Rev. and Mrs. Michael Hughes assumed the pastorate. During their ministry a new parsonage has been purchased at 701 Washington Street. The church kitchen has been relocated in order to expand the fellowship hall. The administrative offices have been relocated and the old parsonage and basement have been repainted.

1997 saw the departure of Rev. and Mrs. Hughes and Rev. and Mrs. Bob Ferguson were appointed. Some remodeling was done in the sanctuary.

In August 1999, Rev. and Mrs. Ferguson departed and Rev. and Mrs. Duane Shipman were appointed. The Shipman's came out of retirement to assume the pastorate for several months until the current pastors were appointed. Pastor Dan and Sherrie Limitone were appointed to the church in July of 2001.