our story
Constance Evangelical Free Church, located in the fast-developing, forward-looking city of Andover, has its historical roots dating back over 100 years. In the year 1880, Mrs. Hegland responded to the spiritual needs of the children in the unincorporated community of Constance (formerly Grow Township) by beginning a Sunday School. Other families moved into the area and these pioneers reached out to friends and neighbors with the saving message of the Gospel of Christ.
On April 4, 1893, after the moving of the Holy Spirit resulted in a revival, this group of Christians banded together and incorporated, forming this church at Constance. It was first known as the Free Church of God and later as Constance Community Church. A building committee was formed and the plans for the church were made. Pete Peterson and John Ness were paid $175.00 to build the church.
Although construction of the Great Northern Railroad brought in some early growth, the community remained a quiet country trade center that flourished until the advent of the automobile and the construction of Highway 65. The post office and general store, built by Abel Stromgren in 1913, was the focal point of the community. On March 1, 1955, the Constance Post Office was closed.
The original church facility was located west of the cemetery and was moved in 1948 to the southwest corner of Crosstown Blvd. and Constance Blvd. The basement of a new facility was dedicated on June 23, 1968 and the old chapel was later moved to the Anoka County Fair grounds where it has been restored as part of the Pioneer Village. The upper portion was built on the basement and dedicated on September 13, 1981, thanks to the generous will of Mrs. Ruth Book Simonson Anderson, daughter of Rev. Magnus S. Book.
During the mid-80s, the church saw significant growth under the ministry of Pastor Randy Discher as the Andover community developed. Between 1992 and 1994, a stewardship emphasis allowed the church to raise substantial savings. In addition, a buyer, the United Pentecostal Church, was found for the existing facility. This paved the way for the building of the current facility at 16150 Crosstown Blvd. A dedication ceremony was held on April 23, 1995. The facility features a multipurpose “Sanctionasium” and 25,000 square feet of space. Phase 2 construction was completed in November of 1999. This has added an additional 13,000 square feet of ministry space primarily for children and student ministries. Phase 3 was completed in July of 2004 with the addition of 43,000 square feet of space. This phase added a worship auditorium, additional education space as well as a remodeled lobby.
Former pastors include many who were itinerant ministers, ministerial students, missionaries, and military chaplains. Three men of God did span a significant number of years of service as pastors. Rev. Magnus S. Book (who also served as a missionary to China) served from 1912-1927; Rev. Clifford Danielson, 1954 – 1978; Rev. Jack Sowers, called as interim pastor in 1978 and later as full-time pastor until 1985.
Our Sr. Pastor, Rev. Randy Discher was called in March 1986. Together with the Elders and other members of our Senior and Ministry Staff, Pastor Randy has led the church through exciting seasons of growth and is excited about the future of Constance Free Church!
To learn more about our staff, please visit our Staff page!