Cross Connection Church is most often referred to as simply "Cross Connection".   Although unconfirmed, it has historically been recognized as the first Full Gospel Church in Orofino.  The church was planted in 1954 by Brother Baker (first name unknown), a painter by trade and a minister ordained by the Pentecostal Church of God who was asked by District leadership to establish a church in Orofino.  He gave his yes and services were initially held in Ahsahka for about a month until a church was built near State Hospital North; the church remained there for a few years. 

 

Pastor Baker was followed by Pastor Sperry (first name unknown).  These two men were considered so much alike in their love for GOD and yet as different as a rushing mountain river (Pastor Baker) is from a peaceful mountain lake (Pastor Sperry).  Pastor Sperry is remembered for his story of his own salvation and how he learned to pray.  It is uncertain whether because of an accident or illness, he was forced to remain in bed for an extended period of time.  It was in these times of quiet that GOD visited and Brother Sperry became saved.  It was also in these times where he learned to pray.  Later when he was a pastor, he would tell his congregation that if something needed "real prayer" he would get into his pajamas and go to bed to pray!

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Pastor Sperry was followed by Pastor Ralph Hayes who ministered for an unknown number of years.

 

The church was moved to where it sits now in 1962 under the leadership of George Wayne when he moved from his fruitful ministry in Kamiah to Orofino.   It was here that the church became known as "Riverside Faith Chapel" and its ministry began seeking to meet the needs of the individual and family.  

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Pastor Jamie Joiner served from May 19, 1985 until 1997 when he resigned to serve as the District Superintendent of the Pacific Northwest PCG.

 

The next name change occurred under the leadership of Pastor Tristan "Bear" Harvey who followed Pastor Joiner.  Pastor Harvey saw the church's potential of Covenant House Christian Center being the center of people's Christian lives as they worked to be a blessing to individuals and the community .  Pastor Harvey was spiritual father to Pastor Maria Ward, who is the current lead pastor of the church.  Her vision is much like all of the other pastors before her, with emphasis on what she calls and has tagged #ActionOrientedChristianity.  She encourages people to Go. Speak. Do.  Go where God tells you to go.  Speak what God tells you to speak.  And most importantly, Do what God tells you to do.  Pastor Maria also has the honor of being the first woman to be voted onto the board of the Pacific Northwest District of the Pentecostal Church of God.

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In 2019, pastor Maria and her elder board were led to change the organization name to Cross Connection Church.

 

The record keeping tradition of Cross Connection has been an oral tradition, much like the culture of the town of Orofino.  The leaders of Covenant House are trying to document the story of Cross Connection into a written tradition, so that it may be preserved for future generations.  We know that there are other Pastors who led the church and previous members, and we know that there is a common thread in their visions and service in Orofino.  If you can fill in any of the gaps with the names, dates, visions, or significant occurrences that you believe may be relevant to the church's record keeping, please click HERE and let us know!

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Pastors of Cross Connection (in order of service):

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________________ Baker (1954 - ___)

________________ Sperry (dates of service unknown)

Ralph Hayes (___ - 1962)

GeorgeWayne, (1962 - ___)

________________ LaRoque (dates of service unknown)

Fred Kerley (dates of service unknown)

Robert Swanson (dates of service unknown)

Jamie Joiner (dates of service unknown)

Tristan Harvey (____ - June 30, 2014)

Maria Ward (July 1, 2014 - present)