History

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 cafeteria. 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. The Christian Education wing is a wonderful addition.

With growth comes the need for additional staff. The congregation called a search committee to find an associate pastor. The search was successful and Rev. Barbara Barkley was called on a part-time basis. After serving with a caring and selfless spirit which has endured. Barbara moved to California to marry Rev. Mark Griggs.

Mission del Sol celebrated it's 10th anniversary in 1995 with a year of remembering. Now setting our sights on the new millennium there are more changes as the Holy Spirit moves through the family of Mission del Sol.

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".

The Session found an Interim in Rev. Roy Schlobohm. Rev. Schlobohm has been a delight to work with as we seek 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 will walk with Mission del Sol into the future.

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 was called to MdS.

The next chapter of the history of God at work in Tempe through Mission del Sol began on March 15, 2000. As the congregation continues to grow in program, mission, fellowship and number, it is still a close-knit and special group. Members continue to demonstrate care for one another as they are called by God as a part of the Church of Jesus Christ to be in mission in his name.