THE HERITAGE OF LAKE CITY CHURCH

Lake City Church (LCC) started during the Great Depression days. The work began as a small mission effort on Madison's east side in 1927, under the leadership of Miss Sophie Pfankuchen, a former missionary to Africa.

As this small group continued to grow, Rev. W. H. Sproule, from Baraboo, Wisconsin, was called in 1931 to be the first pastor. Pastor Sproule became interested in the baptism in the Holy Spirit through the Charles S. Price meetings in Duluth, Minnesota. After personally receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he led the congregation into accepting both the truth and experience of the Spirit-filled life

This group of believers continued to move from one location to another to accommodate their growth and built a church building at 1925 Winnebago Street on Madison's near east side. The first services in the new building were held on April 8, 1932.

This building was used when the church was located on Winnebago Street.

During the following years, LCC continued its growth, reaching attendances of several hundred. Then, Pastor Sproule died in 1937. In August, 1969, a now small and struggling congregation, called a young pastor and his family to come and lead the congregation. Warren and Donna Heckman accepted the offer to become their new pastors.

Under Pastor Heckman's leadership, vision, and commitment to evangelization, the church began a new season of growth and impact that, over the next 33 years, took LCC from one of the smallest churches in Madison to one of the largest, with a present weekend attendance of more than 800 people.

After being in the same location on Winnebago Street for almost 40 years, it became apparent that a change of location would be advantageous to faciliate growth. The property was sold in the fall of 1971, and space was then rented in a building known as the Federated Woman's Club, located in Madison's downtown area. This was during the era of the Jesus People, who normally gathered in this same area. Thus, LCC was able to reach out to a group of people with whom they normally would not have had any contact, and many of them began to regularly attend services.

This building was used when the church was located on Elka Lane.

Construction soon began on a new church building located on the north side of Madison. It was to accommodate 300 people. The new brick structure was dedicated in 1972 on Labor Day Weekend. In less than two years after moving into the new building, it was evident that a much larger building and tract of land were needed.

In December of 1974, 28 acres of land was purchased on Madison's far east side. It was chosen for its strategic location and accessibility to the community of Dane County, where most of the congregation resided. Meanwhile, to enable continued growth, simultaneous services and Sunday Schools were instituted. Growth continued! Plans were made to build a first unit structure on the new land with a sanctuary to accommodate 1200 people.

In the fall of 1975, the north side church was sold to the Madison East Bible Church congregation and, once again, the congregation of LCC found itself renting facilities until their new building was completed. A contract was signed at the Sheraton Inn to utilize all of their meeting rooms on Sundays, while church offices and midweek services were housed in the old Madison East Bible Church building. A loan was applied for and construction was anticipated to begin in the fall of 1975. But, the loan was turned down! Now LCC was a church without a building. Finally, in the spring of 1976, God supernaturally intervened and LCC was given the go ahead to begin construction. Seven months later, on December 24, 1976, the congregation held their first service in their new building.

Scenes from Lake City Church History - 75 Year Anniversary

Lake City Church is pleased to present a brief history of the church.  Click the [Play triangle [ > ] below to watch Pastor Warren Heckman narrate this 14 minute overview which includes photos from several generations.

 

In 2007, Lake City Church celebrates 80 years of ministry in the Madison Wisconsin area. 

Click the Play triangle [ > ] to watch nine people discuss the history of the church and their experience with Lake City Church, formerly known as Madison Gospel Tabernacle. (This video runs One Hour and Four Minutes) 

LCC continued to grow and reach out to Madison and the surrounding area. Over the years, LCC has been instrumental in branching churches in Brodhead, Madison, Mt. Horeb, New Glarus, Reedsburg, Spring Green, Stoughton, and Sun Prairie.

Missions have always been a vital and important part of LCC's ministry. On a regular monthly basis, LCC supports 37 missionary families, representing 20 countries. As a missions minded church, approximately 100 people from LCC go on short term mission trips each year.

In 1977, Campus for Kids Learning Center and Preschool (CFK) began with seven children enrolled. The daycare was located in the lower level of LCC. In 1999, CFK moved into a new 30,000 square foot building and currently employs 45-50 people, with almost 300 children enrolled. CFK is accredited by The International Christian Accrediting Association and is licensed by the State of Wisconsin.

In 1978, Abundant Life Christian School began for the purpose of offering students academic excellence in a Christian setting. Classes were held in the balcony of LCC's sanctuary and began with three teachers and 30 students. Since that time, ALCS has been through four phases of facilities construction and has grown to its current enrollment of 455 students and 45 teachers and staff. Families from more than 50 area churches and several communities are represented in the student body. ALCS is accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association and North Central Accreditation. It also meets or exceeds the Wisconsin State Educational Statutes and is recognized as an elementary/secondary institution in the State of Wisconsin.

In June of 2002, LCC celebrated its 75th anniversary and Warren and Donna Heckman's 33 years of ministry here. At the same time, Warren and Donna Heckman stepped out of their Senior Pastor/Co-Pastor role and into an Associate Pastor position. Mitch and Cheri' Milton transitioned from their positions as Co-Pastors to that of Senior Pastors until May 30, 2006.  

In June of 2006, John Ruck was named by the Council of Elders to be the Interim Senior Pastor to lead the Lake City Church ministries until a new Senior Pastor is called. 

LCC continues to pursue its God-given mission to impact this world with a pastoral staff of six, a support staff of over eleven people, and many lay people involved in various ministries. LCC purposes to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ and to minister to people of all ages by providing ministry programming for each life stage - from infants to those in their older years.

The Current East Buckeye Road Campus View  2005