Obetz Church of The Nazarene

About ONAZ

History of

Obetz Church of the Nazarene

Updated 1/2009

In 1927 Rev. V. Sharp, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Galion Ohio under the direction of District Superintendent C. A. Gibson, held a tent meeting on Welch Avenue just east of Parsons Avenue.

The meeting closed September 4^th after continuing three weeks, which resulted in organization of a Church of the Nazarene. The church secured a place to hold services at 1361 Parsons Avenue and held their first service on Sunday, September 11^th at 10:30a.m. . Rev. William Burton was acting pastor. The congregation was able to purchase land on Wilson Avenue and build a church there. This became the Wilson Avenue Church of the Nazarene.

The pulpit was filled regularly by local preachers while waiting the coming of Rev. W. E. Zimmerman, the called pastor.

In the spring of 1935 a small group of about fifteen faithful Christians in Obetz felt the need and call to start a church in their area. They met in the home of Violet and Ralph Mallon.

They obtained permission to hold their services in the Obetz Elementary School Cafeteria, located on Chillicothe Street. It was know as the Community Chapel. Mr. P.E. Gilliland was the first leader.

They left the school and held services on Groveport Road in a rented building known as the Hightower Barbecue. From the Barbecue, the church moved further up Groveport Road into the upstairs hall of the Clover Leaf Store where the Obetz Hardware stands today.

Rev. Zimmerman from the Parsons Ave. Nazarene Church held a tent meeting on Ankrom’s property on Obetz Ave. In 1936 during the Nazarene Assembly meeting the Obetz Church was organized officially. Dr. Charles Gibson, the District Superintendent organized the church with thirteen members. Rev. Noble W. Shirkey was sent as the first pastor.

In February of 1937 there were thirty members, so a drive was started for a Church home. Three lots were purchased on the corner of Hillcrest and Canton Avenues. On August 8, 1937 Rev. Charles Gibson, District Superintendent formally opened and dedicated the Basement Church with a membership of sixty people.

In 1938 Rev. Shirkey transferred to Cincinnati and Rev. H.C. Stimmel came to pastor from 1938-1940.

Rev. S. L. Flowers came in 1940. They worshipped in the basement until 1941 and were able to complete the upstairs of the church. It was dedicated on March 22, 1942. The building project was completed before December of 1945.

Rev. William F. Clay came in December, 1945 and was followed by Rev. Dwight Boice in January, 1947.

Rev. Virgilene Richardson came in August of 1950 and was the pastor for over nineteen years. Through her leadership the parsonage was built, additional property was purchased and the church grew. She left in August of 1969.

Rev. James F. Null came in August, 1969. There were two classrooms, nursery, a pastor’s study and restrooms installed. Rev. Null pastored till October, 1977.

Rev. David Myers came in November, 1977 and left in July, 1982.

Rev. James G. Patrick came in August, 1982. Through his leadership the new addition to the sanctuary, four new class rooms, Junior Church, and the Fellowship Hall were added to the building. Rev. Patrick left in the summer of 1992.

Rev. Jay E. Schlenker came in September of 1992 and is the current Senior Pastor.

In the summer of 2004 the Wilson Avenue Church of the Nazarene merged with us and we became one church. The Wilson Avenue building was sold and money used for the new building project that was being planned in Obetz.

The Church acquired the Ankrom property on Groveport Road through Betty Jane Ankrom’s death, which was 4.65 acres. Under the leadership of Pastor Schlenker the church raised funds and proceeded to plan for a new building on the Groveport Road property. Since September of 2006, is where we are currently worshipping.