History:

Riverside Christian Church began on September 15, 1991 under the leadership of Ray and Carol Pouliot and a core group of just 5 people.  Meeting at Merrimack High School, the church was originally called Merrimack Community Christian.  Financial support from several individuals and other Christian Churches around the country helped to pay the start up expenses.

Charter membership was established early 1992 with 14 members and and average attendance of 40 people.  A Sunday School program was added in 1992 with the help of some "borrowed" teachers from other Christian Churches in Manchester, NH and Bedford, MA.

In the fall of 1992 the church purchased a commercial building in Riverside Business Park and transformed it into a meeting space for worship, Sunday School, and offices.  The mortgage was paid off in just three years as attendance grew to 70 people.  By 1997 church attendance was nearly 100 people, so a second worship service was added.

In 1998 a second full time minister was brought on staff.

In 1999 the church purchased an additional 7,000 square feet of adjacent space which became a new worship hall, chapel, four additional classrooms, two new offices and a conference room.  The church has a total of 20 rooms.  The church also purchased an additional 4,000 square feet that was used for expansion of the worship hall to seat 350 people.  In 1999 the name of the church was officially changed to "Riverside Christian Church."  A part time office manager was added to staff in 1999.

Missions outreach have always been an important emphasis at Riverside.  A large percentage of all donations received by the church is invested in various mission projects around the world.  In 1998 a team of people from Merrimack was sent to Guinea-Bissau, Africa to help start an indigenous church under the leadership of Bobo Gomes Co.  Ongoing support is helping to reach the unchurched people of one of the poorest countries on earth. Riverside has also sent a missions team to Honduras.

The future looks bright for Riverside as the church continues to grow.  We have space for young families with children; we have programs to reach out to people of all ages; we have a dedicated group of leaders and workers ready to help meet your spiritual needs.