From Many to One
Organized in 2016, LoveJoy United is a young church with an old history. We were formed when College Avenue Presbyterian in Alton and The United Presbyterian in Wood River merged, so we have roots in three Presbyterian congregations in the Riverbend area of Southern Illinois.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Upper Alton was organized in 1837 and was first served by Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, the martyr abolitionist newspaper editor.
The United Presbyterian Church in Wood River was a product of a merger in 1996 of Roxana Presbyterian Church and Wood River Presbyterian Church.
Our Diversity is Our Strength
Coming out of three different congregations, with other members having joined along the way, we have a great diversity of backgrounds, traditions, and gifts. While this diversity requires listening, patience, and love, it is also one of our greatest strengths. Biologists have found that the populations of plants and animals that have the most diversity within their genetic makeup are the most prepared to adapt positively to change. We believe this is true for us too.