1960s
The first meeting of what would later be called Mayer Community Church was held on Sept 25, 1960. Twenty-four saints got together to sing hymns and hold a devotional service in the tiny former Mayer School House. On January 1, 1961 a church constitution was adopted and a board elected. A church historian wrote that the constitution was “long enough to cover the essentials but too short to fight over.” Additionally, the records indicate that on the cover of the constitution was written, “No Creed But Christ, No Law But Love”.
That original building is still there today, right across 5th Street from the current church. It looks like this, and is now a private home.
On January 8, 1961, the Reverend Merle Heatwole, then Pastor of Skull Valley Community Church, led our church’s first communion service and during the service identified charter members of Mayer Community Church. At this time the pulpit bible was presented on whose flyleaf the original members' names are recorded.
In November 1962 a building committee began planning expansion, and thanks to the gift of land from member Wayne Light on December 15, 1962, work on the 30 x 36 edifice was begun, with the first service in the new structure being held on October 5, 1964.
On April 30, 1963 Mayer Community Church’s articles of incorporation were drawn up and ratified and by November 29 the church was incorporated with the state of Arizona as a non-profit entity.
1970s
Subsequent to continued growth, on April 12, 1975, work on a 30 x 50 sanctuary add-on was started, and in September the building was more than twice its original size.
This is the church building a little later. Among other things, air conditioning has replaced the evaporative cooling. Note also the grading of the property resulting in a concrete porch and a somewhat more organized parking setup is apparent, complete with security lighting.
In this almost panoramic Google Earth view the church with parking area are visible, along with the parsonage at the upper left and the multi-use cottage at the picture's lower left. Note the brick Sheriff's office across Main street from the church parsonage.
1980s and 1990s
In 1981 the church acquired the lower lot with its small house which was put to use for Sunday School purposes. In more recent years it has served as a nursery and has had other uses as well.
In 1984 a new Cavco “Sunset” three-bedroom manufactured home was placed on the property for use as a parsonage.
At a special membership meeting on February 12, 1984 a revision of the church constitution was proposed and later adopted by a membership meeting on September 1, 1985.
Since the 1990s
Here is the church building in the 2000s
New paint and roof in 2018
And this is the worship area. The capacity is a little over 100 and we typically seat 40+
The people
However, the real church is the people, isn't it? Historic photos may illustrate the change in a landscape, but it is people that show the change wrought through the gospel of Christ.
Following are vignettes of our people, the real Mayer Community Church.
Many in our congegration have been with us from the earliest days, and also many are newer.
With many backgrounds and histories, all of us have one thing in common, our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Not only are some of us from other areas of the state or even the country, many actually travel from outside Mayer to fellowship here.
Mechanics, CPAs, truck drivers, hospitality workers, social workers, engineers, students, artists, musicians, we all come together to celebrate being born again into the kingdom of God. This photo is of one of the women's group events.
For several years the local communities have counted on Mayer Community Church to offer each year a Vacation Bible School. The last few years have seen over 70 children each year take advantage of this and in the process hear about Jesus Christ and His love for them.
Mayer Community Church women praying.
An outing in the nearby hills.
We have even been known to celebrate the Jewish seder meal a few times, and of course we like to get together over potluck meals fairly regularly as well.