Church History/Nazarene Beliefs

Rev. Charles E. Ellsworth of Greenfield, Indiana, came to Richmond in the spring of 1916.  He held a revival meeting in the former Pearl Street Methodist Church.  The address was later changed to North 5th and A Street.  The Methodist congregation had moved to a new location two years prior to this time and the old church was being used as a junk yard.  The building was purchased by Rev. Ellsworth for $2,400.00.  It was cleaned to make it suitable for a church again.

 

On April 16, 1916, the Nazarene congregation was organized with 21 charter members.  Rev. U.E. Harding was the presiding District Superintendent.  Rev. Ellsworth became the first pastor, but he only served six months.  Through the following years repairs and additions were made.  That building served as the worship center of the next fifty years.

 

It was during the ministry of Rev. C.R. Lee that six acres of land on Chester Boulevard were purchased.  The new church was built while Rev. Joe L. Bean was pastor.  The groundbreaking services were held on May 23, 1965.  Most of the work on the building was done by volunteer labor.  Many members and friends gave many hours in building the church.  Eight months later, January 23, 1966, the first service was held in the new sanctuary.  The dedication of the new church was held on April 17, 1966, with General Superintendent G.B. Williamson delivering the dedication message.

 

God has truly blessed this church through the years.  The mission of the church has always been to help our fellowmen and to advance the kingdom of God.