history

History

1916

Reflections of the Past

In 1916, the Church of the Nazarene as a denomination was merely eight years old, but was rapidly organizing congregations throughout North America and in various parts of the world. One of the churches organized in 1916 was New Castle, Indiana First Church.

The doctrine of holiness was nothing new to New Castle and there were connections with the church of the Nazarene before that time. Dr. Edward F. Walker joined the Church of Nazarene in 1908, just after the denomination was formed at Pilot Point Texas. Prior to that time he had served as moderator of the Indianapolis Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church and had made his home in New Castle for many years. He served as a holiness evangelist in many areas of the country before becoming a Nazarene. He was elected the fourth General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene by the general Assembly of 1911 and also served as of Olivet Nazarene College, (now Olivet Nazarene University).

At the time that first church was organized, Reverend U.E. Harding District Superintendent of the Indianapolis District was living on East Thornbury Street in New Castle. Apparently, it was through his instigation that First Church came into existence. He and other ministers and evangelist also apparently served the pastoral services until December 2, 1916 when Reverend Harry Joseph Elliott became the pastor.

The Church was organized as the result of an evangelistic crusade held in a tent on East Broad Street. Workers for the meeting included Rev. Harding, Rev. C.A. Gibson of Auborn, Illinois and Rev. L. Milton Williams of Oskaloosa, Iowa. In addition, Mrs. Harding and Miss Eunice Oakes of Indianapolis assisted with music.

The Herald of Holiness issue of July 12, 1916 carried the report listed.

Victory in New Castle, Indiana. We opened fire on the enemy June 16th with Rev. C.A. Gibson, whose labors were blessed of God. Rev. L. Milton Williams came on July 4th and turned his machine gun loose on sin. Large crowds have packed the tent to hear the preaching. The landslide came Sunday night, when thirty bowed at the alter. The whole city is stirred. God is in the camp. Brother Williams never did any greater preaching than he is doing here. It has been proved again that the John the Baptist kind of preaching will bring results. William is a man with a message that the world should receive. God give us more sons of thunder that will show up sin.

Rev. U.E. Harding

New Castle, Indiana First Church of the Nazarene, was officially organized on July 20, 1916 with 21 charter members. Immediately after the organization, they were able to purchase the old Friends Church on North Main Street.

Building Number 2

After being in the first church for 18 month's the second church was purchased and moved into. While waiting for the second church the church worshipped in various homes and rented quarters. The second building was purchased from the Presbyterians. The church stood at the intersection of 14th and 18th streets and was later moved in 1919 to the present site of First Church. This building was outgrown within about two years and a new sanctuary was constructed in 1922, during the ministry of Rev. Madison F. Groce. Then in 1947 a two-story educational building was added.

In the late 1960's, the frame and stucco sanctuary had deteriorated to the point that it was obvious that it needed to be replaced adjacent to the church. The present sanctuary was built on these lots and the educational wing was modified to fit in with the new building. It is an integral part of the present building.

The new church building was officially dedicated on April 18, 1971 during the ministry of Reverend Morris Chalfant.

Presently Rev. Jonathan Morgan the 22nd pastor since November 21, 2004 is working on building the next First Church of the Nazarene. Which is to be built at 302 E. County Line Rd. 300 South in New Castle. It will add a new chapter to the church's history.

Installation of
Rev. Jonathan Morgan

News Paper article about Rev. Jonathan Morgan
Go here to read story

Through the years, New Castle First Church of the Nazarene has furnished personnel for three other Nazarene Churches in the New Castle area. Broad Street Church of the Nazarene was organized in 1936 and a few years ago, the congregation built a new facility on State Road 38 which is now the Westview Church of the Nazarene. Southside Church of the Nazarene was organized in 1946 and the church is located on South 14th Street in New Castle

New Castle First Church of the Nazarene 1727 Grand Ave. New Castle, IN 47362 765-529-0607 church@ncfirstnazarene.org

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