About Us - History

The Beginning

In February, 1985, the Rev. Dr. William R. Hayes arrived in Tempe from Elmhurst, Illinois as the Organizing Pastor of a New Church Development project for the Presbytery of Grand Canyon. The first worship service was held May 5, 1985 at Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School. Of the 46 people attending, 20 were supporters from other local churches and the presbytery. The original name, Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, was changed to Mission del Sol in February, 1986.

A steering committee (four Elders from nearby Presbyterian churches) guided the church's early programming responsibilities, and the charter roll was opened August 4, 1985. By the end of that month, 34 people had signed the charter roll. Church school was launched on September 9, 1985 with two adult classes and three youth classes. The first social event was a barbecue September 29, 1985 on the church's property on Warner Road, during which the thirty-ninth and fortieth charter members signed the roll. On November 24, 1985, the choir made its debut, and by February 2, 1986, 85 people had signed the charter roll.

As 70 Mission del Sol members watched on March 14, 1986 the Presbytery of Grand Canyon voted to charter the new church. The chartering service was May 6, 1986, with 107 charter members and 40 children under the age of confirmation. At that time, the Board of Deacons and Session were formed, and Bill Hayes became the Stated Supply Pastor. He was elected and installed as Pastor on September 28, 1986.

By December, 1987, plans for the church building had been drawn and loans approved. Mission del Sol moved into its new home on December 24, 1988. The congregation completed plans for the construction of its second phase building - a Christian Education wing.

June 1998 found Mission del Sol with it's first retirement of clergy. Rev. Dr. William Hayes responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and retired. He has been named "Pastor Emeritus".

First Interim Pastor

The Session found an Interim Pastor in Rev. Roy Schlobohm. Rev. Schlobohm was a delight to work with as we sought to follow God's lead in our mission to our community and the world. On Oct. 11, 1998 the congregation elected a search committee to find a pastor who would walk with Mission del Sol into the future.

Dr. Arthur Campbell

On February 6, 2000, the PNC presented to the congregation the Rev. Dr. Arthur J. Campbell as it's candidate for the position of Pastor/Head of Staff. The congregation was in agreement and Dr. Campbell arrived at Mission del Sol on March 15, 2000.

In 2008 the congregation elected to begin the work of building a new sanctuary. The new sanctuary was completed in December 2009 and a dedication service was held on February 14, 2010.

Dr. Campbell retired in June 2011 and was named "Pastor Emeritus."

Second Interim Pastor

September 1, 2011 – The Rev. Dr. Lawrence W. Corbett joined Mission del Sol as its second Interim Pastor to help the session provide for continuity of essential programs in worship, pastoral care, administration, supervision of staff, and support for programs and committees of the congregation.

The Present

The Session has appointed a Mission Study Team to begin the process of defining who we are as a congregation, where we believe God is leading us, and who our neighbors are in South Tempe. Once that document is complete and approved, a slate of candidates to serve on the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) will be presented to the congregation for election. The PNC will begin the work to identify and ultimately offer a candidate for approval as our next installed pastor at Mission del Sol.

As we transition through the process of electing our newest pastor, the congregation continues to grow in program, mission, fellowship and number. We remain a close-knit, special group of believers, called by God as part of the Church of Jesus Christ to be in mission in His name.