the building on Blackhawk Avenue, circa 1974

Woven into the story of Blackhawk is a constant thread of passionate and committed Christ-followers who sacrifice time and resources to respond to what God is doing. There is a consistent commitment to care for those in need, to reach all generations with the message of Christ, and to work together to accomplish God's purposes in Madison and the world.

It all began in a living room. Blackhawk was founded in 1965 when a small group from Bethany Evangelical Free Church on the near east side decided to plant a church further west. After meeting in a home for almost two years, they purchased a small building on Blackhawk Avenue (thus the origination of the name). Nineteen people signed the original charter.

A church on the move. Under the leadership of several faithful pastors, and many committed lay-people significant growth occurred over the next 20 years.
It was a stretch but the church decided to purchase land and build. In 1986 the church relocated to Whitney Way on the near west side of Madison. In this location many people joined the welcoming congregation.

Continued growth. In 1994 Pastor Chris Dolson became the senior pastor. The church had grown to about 300 regular attenders and had continued to build a strong community with a heart to reach others with the truth and compassion of Christ. Under Chris's leadership the ministry continued to grow, and the clear vision "Building a Community to Reach a Community" was initiated by the elders.

Making room. As the church began to grow too large for the building once again, a decision was made to expand the building. The Whitney Way facility was expanded to accommodate the growing ministries in 1997 to three times its original size.

Creatively making more room. The next 10 years innovative planning helped the church continue to make room for more. Not wanting to effectively "close the doors" new service times were added and video and offsite venues were added.
A building meant to accommodate a congregation of about 600 grew to an attendance on a Sunday of over 3000 by 2007.

Back on the move. In 2000, in response to the continued growth the congregation supported a proposal from the elders to "relocate as one church to one location that has room for continued growth." A team was formed to find a site. Ground was broken on Brader Way in the spring of 2006 and the building completed in the fall of 2007.

The story continues. With a new home-base for ministry on Brader Way, Blackhawk continues to be committed to building a community that follows Christ in order reach a community that desperately needs him.