The Story of Sunrise
Spring of 1956 saw growth on the east end of Great Falls near Malmstrom Air Base with many young families moving into the area. With the eastward influx, a New Church Development project was underway. Thanks to the foresight of Glacier Presbytery, 8 lots on the 3800 block of Fifth and Sixth Avenue South had already been purchased with the intent of establishing a Presbyterian Church at that location.
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A meeting at Lewis and Clark School on October 28, 1956, was held for the purpose of chartering the Presbyterian Church of East Great Falls with action authorizing the organization of the church.
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From the labor of a handful of dedicated volunteers, and after many hours of prayer, sweat, toil, perseverance, and determination--as well as developing relationships, Sunrise Church was established. The name "Sunrise" was chosen because it signified God's gift of the sun rising to bring light and life for each new day. The bare-bones structure, our building, was dedicated to the Glory of God on Sunday, January 11, 1959.
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Sunrise has undergone may cosmetic and leadership changes over the years, but it continues to be a family oriented church. In the words of a former pastor, Rev. Lincoln Anderson, "It has two goals: one, which has to be first and foremost--the worship of Christ. The second goal is the celebration of life and outreach to all of the world." Sunrise continues to strive for those goals--to the Glory of God.
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Lamentations 3: 22-23: The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning and sure as the sunrise.
