Asher Arif is serving as Assistant Pastor in the Swift Memorial 1st Presbyterian Church Civil Lines Gujranwala At that time there were only 80-90 individuals with 15 families who were worshiping in a small shed in mission compound, Sialkot Road, Gujranwala. In mid 1920 the families were increased from 15 to 35 therefore, the congregation felt a need of Church building where they could worship. The
re was a Sikh converted Christian who donated a piece of land near railway station Gujranwala. The congregation raised the funds themselves and started to construct a Church building on that piece of land. Since the relatives of donor were still non-Christians they objected to construct the Church building on this piece of land. It was very hard time to get it constructed the Church building, but the members were not discouraged at all. They worked day and night and with the help of local administration a small Church building was completed in 1928. Finally congregation won the case in court and help of Government official in 1928 construction of church building was started and started the worship in four walls without roof. The first Indian pastor on this continent was Rev. Alicia Swift; therefore the name was given to this Church “Swift Memorial 1st United Presbyterian Church, Gujranwala.”
In 1930 a the missionary named Mr. Crow from United States who was in-charge of Boys Industrial Home and Technical School (BIH & TS) Gujranwala convinced the congregation to have proper Church building for 150 to 200 people on the same site. He promised to provide free labour from BIH & TS staff. He further arranged funds for its roof and false ceiling on a condition that the congregation shall provide four walls, windows and doors for this building. Crow was a regular member of this congregation and taking keen interest in construction of this building. The congregation members again worked hard and full filled the target given by the missionary. With these efforts the Church building was completed in 1934. Since then the members were increasing and the number of families had been increased to 120 families with about 600 members including children. There was a time from 1967 to 1980 when the congregation lost again the church building as the MacIntire group took the control but praise the Lord that on 13 January 1980 the split was finished and congregation had ubification service. This church had a wonderful Church Development programme, with which now we have St. paul's Church right in mission compound (Beautiful the largest church building) Waniya wala, Rata Bajwa, Salim Colony and two more city congregations are functioning smoothly. We can say this church is mother of six to seven congregations. The yearly budget of this congregation is round about fifteen hundred thousand rupees. In 2000 to 2002 the building was expanded in both wings and a beautiful galory and now more than 600 hudrede people can be seated easly. In2008 to 2009, with its own resourses a beautiful double story house is constructed as pastor-house and meeting hall. We are thank full to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who helped us in all the development projects. Keep remember this Church in your prayers. David
Treasurer
