About us

Who We Are

Covenant PC, est.1871 just had its 150-year celebration! We enjoy a handicapped-accessible building which hosts numerous groups, community organizations and events. A 9-member unicameral Session leads the Church. Staff includes the Interim Pastor, Administrative Assistant/Director of music, Treasurer, and Custodians. Eight committees consisting of Elders & lay members, help to guide & carry out the programs of our church. We celebrate God’s glory each Sunday with a traditional service and fellowship immediately following in the parlor with coffee. From September to May we offer adult Sunday school class prior to our service. Prior to Covid, the youth had Sunday school, and youth groups in the afternoon. Each summer we offer Vacation Bible School. During the Lenten & Christmas seasons we worship God with special services. On Monday mornings laughter is heard from the kitchen from the Laughing Group. We also have an English hand bell choir that plays monthly. Again, prior to Covid, we had an adult choir. Throughout the year our congregation gathers for special activities in our fellowship hall, as well as special receptions in the parlor. Several of our members have participated in mission trips to include The Atany Reformed Church in Hungary (our sister church), hurricane relief efforts, rehabbing homes, Heifer projects, soup kitchens, and Festival of Sharing. Members of our church are also active in local mission projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and the Holiday Project.
 
Our congregation exhibits a style of leadership that makes visitors, as well as members, feel welcome. Greeters and ushers are at the front door each Sunday morning. Traditionally a worship leader assists with the service, and we have fellowship/coffee time after worship. Our members are active in many aspects of community affairs, such as Marshall Food Pantry, Philharmonic Orchestra, Municipal Band, Community Chorus, Mental Health Assoc., Boy and Girl Scouts, and school booster clubs. We are ready to be of aid in times of grief or distress, as well as to applaud and celebrate each other’s happy occasions. During Covid, our congregation participated in many car parades for graduations and birthdays. Our willingness to serve extends well beyond our church doors. Many of our members are educators, in the health profession, former military members, and/or involved in county and city government and service organizations. People of different needs, backgrounds, and religious backgrounds are welcome into our fellowship.

What We Believe

We believe our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the Ten Commandments and in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. We continue to search through prayer and study for God’s will as He leads us in doing His work. We believe it is our duty to respond to the major issues facing our world and community through education, support of denominational and ecumenical programs, and support of worldwide mission efforts. We expect Covenant Church to be a strong witness in the community, stressing Christian values while providing community outreach and service. We strive to be a church that is guided by the Holy Spirit – honoring and affirming each member of the body. We feel compelled to act when segments of society we live in are at odds with theological issues taught to us by Christ.

Covenant Church is committed to the mission and ministry of Christ’s church. Being a very diverse, open-minded, respectful, and embracing congregation, we are proud of our philosophy: “Love Grows Here”.

Theology
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs.

Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone’s job — ministers and lay people alike — to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.

Confessions
Presbyterians confess their beliefs through statements that have been adopted over the years and are contained in The Book of Confessions.

These statements reflect our understanding of God and what God expects of us at different times in history, but all are faithful to the fundamental beliefs described above. Even though we share these common beliefs, Presbyterians understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to understand what these principles mean in his or her life.

Learn More: A general guide to facts about the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Our History

On August 16, 1871, seventeen charter members organized a congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marshall. On October 12, 1873, the first building on the corner of Morgan and Salt Pond streets was dedicated. 

As the town grew, so did the membership of the congregation. On December 7, 1890, a new, larger brick building at the corner of Morgan and Odell Streets was dedicated. This building served as the home of the congregation for almost 80 years. 

Two national denominational mergers were brought about during these years. The first one was with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1906. The name of the congregation became the Odell Avenue Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The second merger was with the United Presbyterian Church of North America in 1958. The name of the church became Odell Avenue United Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.). 

With a third relocation to the corner of Yerby and Lincoln streets, it was necessary to select a new name, and the name Covenant Presbyterian Church was chosen. The present building was dedicated April 12, 1970. Foundation stones from the two former buildings rest at the entryway of the church. 

In 1983, another national merger took place, uniting the United Presbyterian Church in the (U.S.A.) and the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Covenant is now a congregation in the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) and is within the Missouri Union Presbytery, Synod of Mid-America.