On a quiet street in Covington sits the longest running Foursquare church in the area, run by one of the longest sitting pastors in the community.

The Spirit and Truth Foursquare Church was formed 35 years ago this September. Steve and Darlene Martin held the first service in their home in Kent, with one other couple in attendance.

Today, the small church bolsters about 100 members.

In the early ‘90s, the Martins bought a plot of land in what was then unincorporated Kent (now Covington), under the assumption from the county that they would be able to build their church there.

After the land sale was final, Martin said they were told by the water and sewer district that there was a moratorium in the area on any new construction.

After talking with county officials, the county made a one-month exception. For that month, building permits could be issued for the area for anyone ready to build, including the Martins.

Construction of the new church was finished in 1993.

The church now has five pastors. Two of them, Andrew and Rosanna Phillips, are the newest additions to the congregation, coming in August from a different Foursquare church in Kent. Connie Oake serves as the administrative pastor.

Martin, who runs the show most Sunday mornings, said he feels the church truly reflects the community. The congregation is diverse in ethnicities, political viewpoints and ages, much like the surrounding area, he said.

In addition to Sunday morning worship and helping families in their congregation, Martin said they work with other churches in the area to help other local families in need. They are part of The Storehouse, a Covington-based nonprofit that delivers food to families in need.

The church is planning a celebratory anniversary service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, to be followed by a mid-day feast of mexican-style food.