History of Covenant
“How many recall our first meetings . . . in the home of Hank and Beth Graham during the summer of 1976. Even though our meetings were attended only by a dozen or so of our number, even then a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the Lord could be felt among us. As we prayed for guidance and direction the Lord wasted no time answering those prayers. We were led to an abandoned feed store with a dirty floor, dingy walls, and a cold draft slipping under the back door. Our thoughts were gathered, suggestions were made, untapped abilities were displayed and within a couple of months the old feed store had become a new house of God. A greater food is now being dispensed, though it is spiritual in nature, being the precious Word of God. How we praise the Lord for the opportunity given us to carry forth His word in our church.”
1977 Women of the Church History
During the summer of 1976, eight families joined together and started meeting with hopes of starting a church in the Riverdale, Georgia, area. Most of these families were members of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and Rev. Gene Hunt was the pastor.
A short time later, a location was found in a shopping center in Riverdale which was formerly a feed store. After a month of remodeling and spending $1,839.00 of a $2,000.00 loan, a borrowed piano, borrowed song books, and a homemade pulpit, the first service was held in November 1976 at 8214 GA. Hwy. 85, Midway Plaza Shopping Center, Riverdale. Rev. Hunt conducted the services as well as the services at Emmanuel.
The air conditioner was inadequate and it became very hot on Sunday and Wednesday evenings during the summer. Many services were interrupted by motorcycle engines racing at the bike shop next door!
After several months, Rev. Hunt came to pastor our church full-time with the financial help of Mission to North America. With steady growth Covenant Presbyterian Church was officially organized in June 1977 with 59 charter members which represented 27 families.
On November 22, 1978, property on Hwy. 314 was purchased for $50,000.00. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held on February 9, 1980 and construction began. The building was dedicated to the “work and service of the Lord” on December 6, 1981. Membership was at 167. “There were so many obstacles that faced us and only the Lord could have guided us through them . . . we thank the Lord for providing the means, and the direction . . .” -- 1981 Women of the Church History
When the new property was purchased, Jack Stillman began maintaining the grounds and serving as church treasurer (beginning as treasurer in 1977) and continues faithfully in that capacity today, in addition to having served as chairman of the two building projects. For 30 years the typical ‘last sentence’ in the Annual Financial Report: “Covenant is in sound fiscal shape.”
In May 1982, Sam Burch began serving as Covenant’s Director of Music and continues to this day serving a vital role in Covenant’s worship experience. “We strive to maintain the high quality of musical offerings and varied worship experiences that the congregation enjoys, while most importantly bringing honor and glory to our God.”
-- 2006 Worship Committee Annual Report
In November 1983, Patricia Overton Oberg was hired as pianist and faithfully continues to bring beautiful and worshipful music on the piano each Sunday.
10 Year Homecoming was held in 1987. “The beginning, continued growth, and mere existence of Covenant have occurred only because the Lord so willed it . . . we trust and believe He will continue to bless this Church and its congregation as long as we continue to bring honor and glory to His name.” -- 1987 Women of the Church History
In June 1988, Rev. Dale B. Welden accepted the call to pastor Covenant. In August 1988 Pastor Welden began serving Covenant and continued until July 2006.
In the summer of 1988, a core group from Covenant began a PCA church in Peachtree City which is today the Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church – God was faithful as we planted seeds.
In April 1991 the “Covenant House” was purchased adding approximately 5 acres, a pool, and a lake to the church property.
On January 24, 1993, the congregation approved the purchase of the current pipe organ from the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Originally, the organ was built by the Austin Organ Company in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1925 for a church in New Orleans. Member Bob Weaver volunteered his services and installed the organ at Covenant. More recently (summer of 2007), a new console was added and once again, Bob Weaver headed up the work.
In September 1996, Marty Alexander came to Covenant as organist and continues today in that capacity lifting his musical talents and skills, as well as encouraging others in theirs, to the glory of God.
During our 20th anniversary year, on June 1, 1997, the church mortgage was burned 9 years early, saving the church approximately $141,256.00.
On October 18, 1998, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a building addition (Education Wing) that would add new Sunday School rooms, foyer, and offices. From Pastor Welden’s sermon on that day, “We need to beware of pride and remember that building the building is God’s work.”
“During the summer of 1999 the congregation continued the morning worship without the customary air conditioning [and through the winter using kerosene heaters to warm the sanctuary]. The construction of the education building required realignment of both the heating and cooling systems. Much of the inside construction, door and window trim, painting and carpeting of the new building addition was completed by gifted and willing church members. It was on October 1, 2000, that the new Education wing was officially dedicated.” -- A Brief History of CPC by Louise Kent
On November 18, 2001, a commemorative Morning Service and an evening Thanksgiving Service was held to celebrate 25 years of worship services at Covenant. Many charter members, former members and staff, and friends attended.
Two worship services began on February 3, 2002, at Covenant with two distinct worship styles. The first service featured contemporary music with a praise team directed by David Shannon, and the second service featured traditional music directed by Sam Burch with our magnificent pipe organ and Sanctuary Choir.
In July 2002 Rev. Bob Edmiston was hired as Director of Discipleship. He preached, taught, and coordinated small groups as well as overseeing our Christian Education programs. Bob resigned from his position on May 15, 2008.
On November 1, 2003, Lynn Wheeler was hired as Children’s Ministries Coordinator and served the children of Covenant cheerfully and faithfully until a tragic automobile accident disabled her on Christmas Day 2005.
On April 14, 2003, Jamie Lambert was hired as Director of Student Ministries. He taught and challenged our youth as they prepared to go out into the world as young Christians.
In July 2006, Pastor Welden ended his ministry at Covenant and, with his family, moved to Irmo, South Carolina, to pastor St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
The Session’s charge to the congregation for 2007: “While we are presently without a pastor, the “race” which we (collectively and individually) run, will continue under the leadership and guidance of your officers and Director of Discipleship, Bob Edmiston . . . with your prayers and support, we look with eager expectation to the time our new pastor is called. Let us look ahead, with anticipation and excitement about what God will do through Covenant in 2007.”
With great thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and guidance, Covenant called Rev. Thomas Myers as pastor following a congregation meeting on Sunday, March 25, 2007. He was joyfully welcomed along with his wife, Beth, and their daughters, Meg and Emily.
In May 2007, after four years of seminary classes, Jamie Lambert assumed additional job responsibilities with the new job title of Pastor’s Assistant and Director of Student Ministries.
On December 24, 2008, after 26 years as Covenant’s Director of Music, Sam Burch resigned from that position.
On February 13, 2011, after seven years of classes in seminary instruction, Jamie Lambert was ordained as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America, serving Covenant as Associate Pastor & Minister of Youth.
On July 7, 2011, Rev. Myers submitted his resignation, and it was received by the officers and congregation in love and appreciation for his four years of service to Covenant.
In August 2011, following Rev. Myers’ resignation, the Session named Associate Pastor Jamie Lambert as Interim Pastor.
John Sutton was hired as the Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries on October 1, 2011. The congregation gratefully welcomed John and his wife, Robyn, as John’s mission to develop, direct and foster a viable youth and children’s program began.
In honor of his long and faithful service as a ruling elder and in recognition of his continued leadership since leaving the active Session, Elder Lou Salzmann, was honored at the October 23, 2011, morning worship service at which time he was presented as Covenant’s first Elder Emeritus. A resolution was read honoring him as such, as the congregation and family members looked on with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.
Another cause for celebration and honoring came at the morning worship service on December 18, 2011, at which time Organist and Worship Leader, Marty Alexander, was recognized and honored for fifteen years of dedicated service at Covenant to the worship of our Lord.
On February 5, 2012 during a congregational meeting, Rev. Lambert was called to be the fourth full-time pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. With thanksgiving to God for His provision and guidance during this time, Jamie, and his wife, Bethany, were joyfully and enthusiastically welcomed by the congregation.
On May 5, 2012, Covenant hosted the 1st Annual First Responder’s Picnic for Fayette County’s police officers, firefighters, EMS technicians, and Call Center personnel and their families. The occasion brought about great fellowship, food, and the opportunity to thank our first responders, and it was a great success.
On August 19, 2012, during the morning service, Rev. Lambert was officially installed as the senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. A great time of fellowship and food followed as the congregation joyfully welcomed Rev. Lambert and Bethany.
In order to meet the worship needs of the aged, a once-a-month Worship Service began on August 1, 2013, at Christian City, a retirement and assisted needs facility in Union City.
With deep appreciation for over 35 years of service as Covenant’s church treasurer, groundskeeper, and Building Committee Chairman, on September 1, 2013 during the morning worship service, Jack Stillman was presented with a resolution from the Session and congregation recognizing and honoring him for his faithfulness and dedication to Covenant Church.
With a generous gift from the Arnold and Ola Dooley family, a pavilion was constructed near the lake and Covenant House and named in memory of the Dooley family who lived their lives in faithfulness to God and Covenant Church. On September 14, 2013, a dedication service was held at the Dooley Pavilion to the glory of God and in memory of the Dooley family. Because of their faithfulness and generosity, the pavilion will be used by Covenant families and in ministry outreaches for years to come.
At the annual Thanksgiving Service on November 24, 2013, Patricia Oberg, Covenant’s pianist for 30 years was honored and recognized for her faithful dedication to Covenant.
2014 brought in many new members and the church saw growth not only in ministries to the community but in every aspect of church ministry. The Session commissioned the Building Committee to move forward in the construction of a gym/family life center in which to serve the church and community in various ways. Jack Stillman was named Chairman and David Epps will serve as Vice Chairman of this committee.
After 31 years of faithful service at Covenant, Patricia Oberg retired as pianist on October 7, 2014, and a reception was given in her honor.
Many have served Covenant faithfully, continuously, and unselfishly with their time over the last 36 years. The church would not be what it is today without the servant’s hearts of so many. God has given us an opportunity to tell of His grace and faithfulness. After 36 years Covenant Presbyterian Church exists today simply because of HIS grace, mercy, steadfast faithfulness, and HIS work in this body of believers.
In 2014 the Session commissioned the Building Committee to move forward in the construction of the Family Life Center in which to serve the church and community in various ways. Jack Stillman was named Chairman and David Epps as Vice Chairman.
In May 2016 Daniel Sluis was hired full time as the Outreach Director and Director of Camp Covenant. In March of 2019 Daniel rendered his resignation.
On May 22, 2016 the congregation issued John Sutton the call to become Covenant’s Associate Pastor, and he and his wife, Robyn, and family were joyfully and enthusiastically welcomed.
On October 13, 2019 a dedication service was held for the new, long-awaited Family Life Center (FLC). The FLC houses a full court high school regulation basketball and volleyball court, and a fellowship hall that can sit 280 people. There are plans to complete a full functioning kitchen in the near future.
In January 2021 Marcus Dorsey was hired as Pastoral Intern. Marcus, a child of the Covenant was raised at Covenant.
On November 21, 2021, a resolution to honor Jack and Judy Stillman was issued by the Session. With deep appreciation for 44 years of faithful service to Covenant, the Session officially changed the name of the Family Life Center to the Stillman Center and the Session declared Jack Stillman to be treasurer emeritus.
On June 5, 2022, Covenant celebrated its 45th Anniversary with remembrance of God’s grace and faithfulness. A celebratory meal followed the service.
On May 7, 2023, the congregation celebrated Rev. Jamie Lambert’s 20 years of faithful service to Covenant.
On August 20, 2023, and after 11 ½ years of faithful service to the Covenant congregation, Rev. John Sutton officially ended his ministry at Covenant.
A short time later, a location was found in a shopping center in Riverdale which was formerly a feed store. After a month of remodeling and spending $1,839.00 of a $2,000.00 loan, a borrowed piano, borrowed song books, and a homemade pulpit, the first service was held in November 1976 at 8214 GA. Hwy. 85, Midway Plaza Shopping Center, Riverdale. Rev. Hunt conducted the services as well as the services at Emmanuel.
The air conditioner was inadequate and it became very hot on Sunday and Wednesday evenings during the summer. Many services were interrupted by motorcycle engines racing at the bike shop next door!
After several months, Rev. Hunt came to pastor our church full-time with the financial help of Mission to North America. With steady growth Covenant Presbyterian Church was officially organized in June 1977 with 59 charter members which represented 27 families.
On November 22, 1978, property on Hwy. 314 was purchased for $50,000.00. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held on February 9, 1980 and construction began. The building was dedicated to the “work and service of the Lord” on December 6, 1981. Membership was at 167. “There were so many obstacles that faced us and only the Lord could have guided us through them . . . we thank the Lord for providing the means, and the direction . . .” -- 1981 Women of the Church History
When the new property was purchased, Jack Stillman began maintaining the grounds and serving as church treasurer (beginning as treasurer in 1977) and continues faithfully in that capacity today, in addition to having served as chairman of the two building projects. For 30 years the typical ‘last sentence’ in the Annual Financial Report: “Covenant is in sound fiscal shape.”
In May 1982, Sam Burch began serving as Covenant’s Director of Music and continues to this day serving a vital role in Covenant’s worship experience. “We strive to maintain the high quality of musical offerings and varied worship experiences that the congregation enjoys, while most importantly bringing honor and glory to our God.”
-- 2006 Worship Committee Annual Report
In November 1983, Patricia Overton Oberg was hired as pianist and faithfully continues to bring beautiful and worshipful music on the piano each Sunday.
10 Year Homecoming was held in 1987. “The beginning, continued growth, and mere existence of Covenant have occurred only because the Lord so willed it . . . we trust and believe He will continue to bless this Church and its congregation as long as we continue to bring honor and glory to His name.” -- 1987 Women of the Church History
In June 1988, Rev. Dale B. Welden accepted the call to pastor Covenant. In August 1988 Pastor Welden began serving Covenant and continued until July 2006.
In the summer of 1988, a core group from Covenant began a PCA church in Peachtree City which is today the Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church – God was faithful as we planted seeds.
In April 1991 the “Covenant House” was purchased adding approximately 5 acres, a pool, and a lake to the church property.
On January 24, 1993, the congregation approved the purchase of the current pipe organ from the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Originally, the organ was built by the Austin Organ Company in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1925 for a church in New Orleans. Member Bob Weaver volunteered his services and installed the organ at Covenant. More recently (summer of 2007), a new console was added and once again, Bob Weaver headed up the work.
In September 1996, Marty Alexander came to Covenant as organist and continues today in that capacity lifting his musical talents and skills, as well as encouraging others in theirs, to the glory of God.
During our 20th anniversary year, on June 1, 1997, the church mortgage was burned 9 years early, saving the church approximately $141,256.00.
On October 18, 1998, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a building addition (Education Wing) that would add new Sunday School rooms, foyer, and offices. From Pastor Welden’s sermon on that day, “We need to beware of pride and remember that building the building is God’s work.”
“During the summer of 1999 the congregation continued the morning worship without the customary air conditioning [and through the winter using kerosene heaters to warm the sanctuary]. The construction of the education building required realignment of both the heating and cooling systems. Much of the inside construction, door and window trim, painting and carpeting of the new building addition was completed by gifted and willing church members. It was on October 1, 2000, that the new Education wing was officially dedicated.” -- A Brief History of CPC by Louise Kent
On November 18, 2001, a commemorative Morning Service and an evening Thanksgiving Service was held to celebrate 25 years of worship services at Covenant. Many charter members, former members and staff, and friends attended.
Two worship services began on February 3, 2002, at Covenant with two distinct worship styles. The first service featured contemporary music with a praise team directed by David Shannon, and the second service featured traditional music directed by Sam Burch with our magnificent pipe organ and Sanctuary Choir.
In July 2002 Rev. Bob Edmiston was hired as Director of Discipleship. He preached, taught, and coordinated small groups as well as overseeing our Christian Education programs. Bob resigned from his position on May 15, 2008.
On November 1, 2003, Lynn Wheeler was hired as Children’s Ministries Coordinator and served the children of Covenant cheerfully and faithfully until a tragic automobile accident disabled her on Christmas Day 2005.
On April 14, 2003, Jamie Lambert was hired as Director of Student Ministries. He taught and challenged our youth as they prepared to go out into the world as young Christians.
In July 2006, Pastor Welden ended his ministry at Covenant and, with his family, moved to Irmo, South Carolina, to pastor St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
The Session’s charge to the congregation for 2007: “While we are presently without a pastor, the “race” which we (collectively and individually) run, will continue under the leadership and guidance of your officers and Director of Discipleship, Bob Edmiston . . . with your prayers and support, we look with eager expectation to the time our new pastor is called. Let us look ahead, with anticipation and excitement about what God will do through Covenant in 2007.”
With great thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and guidance, Covenant called Rev. Thomas Myers as pastor following a congregation meeting on Sunday, March 25, 2007. He was joyfully welcomed along with his wife, Beth, and their daughters, Meg and Emily.
In May 2007, after four years of seminary classes, Jamie Lambert assumed additional job responsibilities with the new job title of Pastor’s Assistant and Director of Student Ministries.
On December 24, 2008, after 26 years as Covenant’s Director of Music, Sam Burch resigned from that position.
On February 13, 2011, after seven years of classes in seminary instruction, Jamie Lambert was ordained as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America, serving Covenant as Associate Pastor & Minister of Youth.
On July 7, 2011, Rev. Myers submitted his resignation, and it was received by the officers and congregation in love and appreciation for his four years of service to Covenant.
In August 2011, following Rev. Myers’ resignation, the Session named Associate Pastor Jamie Lambert as Interim Pastor.
John Sutton was hired as the Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries on October 1, 2011. The congregation gratefully welcomed John and his wife, Robyn, as John’s mission to develop, direct and foster a viable youth and children’s program began.
In honor of his long and faithful service as a ruling elder and in recognition of his continued leadership since leaving the active Session, Elder Lou Salzmann, was honored at the October 23, 2011, morning worship service at which time he was presented as Covenant’s first Elder Emeritus. A resolution was read honoring him as such, as the congregation and family members looked on with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.
Another cause for celebration and honoring came at the morning worship service on December 18, 2011, at which time Organist and Worship Leader, Marty Alexander, was recognized and honored for fifteen years of dedicated service at Covenant to the worship of our Lord.
On February 5, 2012 during a congregational meeting, Rev. Lambert was called to be the fourth full-time pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. With thanksgiving to God for His provision and guidance during this time, Jamie, and his wife, Bethany, were joyfully and enthusiastically welcomed by the congregation.
On May 5, 2012, Covenant hosted the 1st Annual First Responder’s Picnic for Fayette County’s police officers, firefighters, EMS technicians, and Call Center personnel and their families. The occasion brought about great fellowship, food, and the opportunity to thank our first responders, and it was a great success.
On August 19, 2012, during the morning service, Rev. Lambert was officially installed as the senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. A great time of fellowship and food followed as the congregation joyfully welcomed Rev. Lambert and Bethany.
In order to meet the worship needs of the aged, a once-a-month Worship Service began on August 1, 2013, at Christian City, a retirement and assisted needs facility in Union City.
With deep appreciation for over 35 years of service as Covenant’s church treasurer, groundskeeper, and Building Committee Chairman, on September 1, 2013 during the morning worship service, Jack Stillman was presented with a resolution from the Session and congregation recognizing and honoring him for his faithfulness and dedication to Covenant Church.
With a generous gift from the Arnold and Ola Dooley family, a pavilion was constructed near the lake and Covenant House and named in memory of the Dooley family who lived their lives in faithfulness to God and Covenant Church. On September 14, 2013, a dedication service was held at the Dooley Pavilion to the glory of God and in memory of the Dooley family. Because of their faithfulness and generosity, the pavilion will be used by Covenant families and in ministry outreaches for years to come.
At the annual Thanksgiving Service on November 24, 2013, Patricia Oberg, Covenant’s pianist for 30 years was honored and recognized for her faithful dedication to Covenant.
2014 brought in many new members and the church saw growth not only in ministries to the community but in every aspect of church ministry. The Session commissioned the Building Committee to move forward in the construction of a gym/family life center in which to serve the church and community in various ways. Jack Stillman was named Chairman and David Epps will serve as Vice Chairman of this committee.
After 31 years of faithful service at Covenant, Patricia Oberg retired as pianist on October 7, 2014, and a reception was given in her honor.
Many have served Covenant faithfully, continuously, and unselfishly with their time over the last 36 years. The church would not be what it is today without the servant’s hearts of so many. God has given us an opportunity to tell of His grace and faithfulness. After 36 years Covenant Presbyterian Church exists today simply because of HIS grace, mercy, steadfast faithfulness, and HIS work in this body of believers.
In 2014 the Session commissioned the Building Committee to move forward in the construction of the Family Life Center in which to serve the church and community in various ways. Jack Stillman was named Chairman and David Epps as Vice Chairman.
In May 2016 Daniel Sluis was hired full time as the Outreach Director and Director of Camp Covenant. In March of 2019 Daniel rendered his resignation.
On May 22, 2016 the congregation issued John Sutton the call to become Covenant’s Associate Pastor, and he and his wife, Robyn, and family were joyfully and enthusiastically welcomed.
On October 13, 2019 a dedication service was held for the new, long-awaited Family Life Center (FLC). The FLC houses a full court high school regulation basketball and volleyball court, and a fellowship hall that can sit 280 people. There are plans to complete a full functioning kitchen in the near future.
In January 2021 Marcus Dorsey was hired as Pastoral Intern. Marcus, a child of the Covenant was raised at Covenant.
On November 21, 2021, a resolution to honor Jack and Judy Stillman was issued by the Session. With deep appreciation for 44 years of faithful service to Covenant, the Session officially changed the name of the Family Life Center to the Stillman Center and the Session declared Jack Stillman to be treasurer emeritus.
On June 5, 2022, Covenant celebrated its 45th Anniversary with remembrance of God’s grace and faithfulness. A celebratory meal followed the service.
On May 7, 2023, the congregation celebrated Rev. Jamie Lambert’s 20 years of faithful service to Covenant.
On August 20, 2023, and after 11 ½ years of faithful service to the Covenant congregation, Rev. John Sutton officially ended his ministry at Covenant.
Contact Us:
Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), 819 Highway 314, Fayetteville, GA 30214
770-460-9451
770-460-9451
