Over a century of history in Lancaster, OH.

Rev. and Mrs. H. S. Fulton moved to Lancaster in 1915 and had a vision to begin Church of God services in their home. For a while only one family came for services, but they finally grew to 12 and moved their service to the Armory building. The next move was to Redman’s Hall and then to a building on Chestnut Street near the County Jail. It was nicknamed the “Jail Church” for a while. (The building is now a Jewish synagogue). Bro. Fulton resigned after one year.

Miss Neva Wilson pastored the church for the next year (1916-1917).

Rev. D. T. Koch and his family moved to town. Although he spent a great deal of his time in evangelistic work, the church began to grow under his ministry. He pastored until the fall of 1924.

Sister Lora McGrew opened her home to the church. Different ministers preached there during the next five years, but there was no set pastor during that period. But soon all this was going to change.

In 1929, Rev. E. A. Meeks became the pastor. Under his capable leadership a lot was purchased and a church building was erected in the present location of 732 E. Sixth Avenue. The building was dedicated to the Lord in March of 1930. He was pastor through part of 1936.

When Pastor Meeks resigned, the church called Rev. E. A. Kline. The church grew significantly under his kind and tireless ministry and he was greatly respected by his church and the community. He died in September of 1951 in the church building in the midst of teaching a Men’s Bible Class.

Thankfully, the church was able to call another Pastor quickly. Rev. A. R. Ervin accepted the call here in October of 1951. Realizing the need of more room for expansion, a building fund was begun in January of 1952. The present church building was remodeled and enlarged during this time with the assistance of Mr. John Morely, architect in Lancaster who drew up the plans. Mr. Ralph Ditto of Lancaster was the general contractor. During the renovations, the congregation held Sunday School and morning worship at the East School building. All other services were held in the basement of the parsonage. In addition, in the fall of 1953, the property on the west side of the church building was purchased for a parsonage and for future growth. In the summer of 1960, the parsonage was moved to the rear of the lot and completely remodeled. On Sunday evening, June 25, 1961, the first service was held in the renovated church building which was still was not complete. However, it was ready in time for the dedication on September 10, 1961.

Rev. Ted Rigdon, pastor of the Urbana Church was the Dedication speaker. Other participants were Rev. Kenneth Loy, the pastor in Chillicothe; Rev. Harold Wright, Zanesville pastor; Rev. Edgar Lawyer, pastor in Cambridge, and Rev. Harry Morris. Brother Ervin continued as pastor through 1962.

This building stands as a monument to great men and women of the past and present who had faith in God that surmounted every obstacle. Those Christians who knew what they hoped for and had the evidence of things not seen, knew that in His time God would answer their prayers of faith. It was the wish of those present that God would richly bless one and all who labored and gave, that God’s Eternal Truth would not perish from the earth but remain as a rich heritage to the children of tomorrow.

Rev. Harold A. Sterner came to be the pastor in 1963. During his tenure the Fellowship Hall was constructed. Raymond and Ruth Snyder started the first building fund for this project. Rev. Sterner himself did quite a bit of work on the building. During this time, the ladies of the church made and sold candy Easter eggs to help pay for things in the kitchen of the Fellowship Hall. Brother Sterner resigned during 1974.

Rev. John Pennell was pastor from 1975-1979.

In 1980, Rev. Fred James came to be the pastor and stayed until 1982. While he was here the church added vinyl siding to its’ edifice.

In 1983, Rev. Charles M. (Chuck) Estep came to be the pastor. This was a stable and progressive time for the congregation. While he was here, almost 12 acres facing Highway 37 (past Coonpath Road) was purchased for possible relocation. The Esteps were here until 1989. In addition, during his pastorate, the church had a succession of three associates: Thomas Stanley who served as Associate Pastor, and John Smith and Keith Hall, both who served as Youth Pastors at different periods.

In 1989, Rev. John Stahl came to pastor. While he was here the rental house was demolished and a parking lot was put in its place. The sanctuary was remodeled again during his tenure also the parking lot was blacktopped and a steeple was added to the church building. He left in 1992.

Rev. Karl Hartmann came in 1993. While he was here a ramp was constructed for the handicapped and much new equipment was added. In addition, candy eggs and bunny suckers were made and sold to help Pastor Karl to go on a work project in Argentina. The candy project also helped in purchasing fireplace doors and logs, and air conditioning for the Fellowship Hall. One year $2000.00 was made from the candy project to help an autistic child. Another ministry was started while Brother Hartmann was here. Under the auspices of the Women of the Church of God, the church began making and selling homemade noodles. This project provided monies to purchase an industrial mixer and a coffee maker as well as helping to fund the annual Christ’s Birthday Offering. During Karl’s tenure, he became involved in the Hospice program. In 1999, he resigned to become full-time Chaplain of the Hospice program in Fairfield County.

In May of 2000, Rev. William P. Means moved from Oklahoma with his wife, Cathy and son Tim to assume the pastorate.

During the Means’ tenure the church called Joe Clark to be Associate Pastor and he served as such for two years. He is currently pastor of the Shankey Branch First Church of God in Celina, Tennessee.

Steve Hayes was another Associate Pastor, added to the staff on February 1, 2004 and served through December 30, 2007. He and his wife, Kathy were involved in Youth Ministry. He also had an active counseling ministry, occasionally preached and they sang special music.

The Means’ retired after their final service on December 30, 2018.

On November 25, 2018 the congregation voted to call Rev. Dave Helser and his wife Peggy as our new pastors, beginning their ministry on January 1, 2019. They own their home in Somerset, Ohio. Dave has been in the ministry for 30 years but this is his first full-time pastorate as all the other ones have been bi-vocational. He expressed excitement at the new challenge of growing this church.