These newcomers, many who had worked for Long-Bell in the Midwest and South, were from several denominations. They liked Mr. Long’s idea of a unified church, and in August, they adopted the name: “Community Church.” Later they proclaimed the motto, “Each for all and all for Christ.”

The name worked, and services were held in temporary quarters until a Gothic Revival style sanctuary that seated 700 was completed in August 1926. Mr. Long donated land and $20,000 to start the building project. The buff-colored brick sanctuary with a bell tower is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adult and children’s Sunday School classes have always been an important part of Longview Community Church. In the beginning, men who worked at Long-Bell were reminded at work to attend a men’s Bible class taught by Rev. Gebert. In 1924, more than 350 men were on the class roster. Women’s Fellowship also provided significant social service programs for the community, especially during the Great Depression and World War II.

Rev. Gebert organized a large choir with a paid director, and the choir took the name Temple Singers when the church moved to its new sanctuary. That strong music program is a legacy that continues today. The Temple Singers still delight worshippers each Sunday. Over the years there have been a variety of additional choirs, from Children to Youth, from Young Adults to Handbells. A community orchestra has also joined the Temple Singers for a variety of musical presentations, including Handel’s Messiah each year.

The post-war Baby Boom saw a rapid increase in families and children. After the new Education Building was added, approximately 1,100 attended Sunday School each week. A new Choir Room was built in the mid-fifties. And summer camps for youth were organized at the Spirit Lake YMCA Camp near Mt. St. Helens. In 1962, a separate chapel that seated 130 was built. Named Gebert Chapel, it is used for the contemporary worship service, and for many weddings and funerals.

After serving 35 years, Rev. Gebert retired in 1958 and was succeeded by Dr. Robert Warren, a Presbyterian minister, who continued to expand church programs and staff. In the 43 years since then, Longview Community Church has had just four Senior Pastors and six assistant or associate pastors. Most have come from the Presbyterian denomination, although several have been Baptists. In 1998, the Church ordained the Rev. Elizabeth Meharg, an associate pastor.

Missions have long been a vital part of Community Church’s ministry. Church policy provides that fully 8% of the annual budget is designated for missions. Generous support from the congregation has gone to such international groups as World Neighbors, World Vision, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Local missions have including Habitat for Humanity, FISH (food relief), and Community House (homeless shelter). There has also been support for individual missionaries as well. In addition, many youth and adult members have gone on short-term foreign and domestic mission trips to help people in need and spread the Gospel.