Our story as a church started in 1940 when Lee Miller, from Shipshewana, Indiana, felt burdened to care for the hurting people of this community. Prompted by God, he drove around the area and found others who felt the same concern. They held revival meetings in the area, and many people turned their lives over to Christ. On Easter Sunday of 1940, the new followers were baptized into the church, the living body of Jesus Christ on this earth. The church met for a short time in an empty house, and then built a new building at the present location on Findley Road.
Finding the right leadership was a struggle, but after several years Orvin Hooley became the pastor and provided the stability needed for the congregation to grow and mature. He helped the congregation through this time of growing pains. During the 20 years of Orvin’s ministry, the congregation began to shows its uniqueness, creativity and openness to new ideas. This was especially evident in the building program. In 1950, the back wall of the sanctuary was disconnected from the rest of the building, moved 18 feet away and the open section between the two parts was built back in. And the growth continued—only 14 years later, the congregation had grown so much that a new sanctuary was needed. This time the structure for the new sanctuary was built over the top of the existing building, and then the old one was torn down inside and hauled out, piece by piece.
These early, growing years featured frequent revival meetings, literary (youth) groups, and the mission work of Froh Homestead. Other Mennonites came from around the country in voluntary service to care for the elderly in this retirement facility. Later in this period, Locust Grove planted a new church: South Colon Mennonite Church. Nearby, Camp Amigo, a Mennonite church camp, also began its ministry. Music was an important part of congregational life, with frequent hymn sings and traveling choirs that sang at other churches.
The next period of long-term pastoral leadership began in the mid ‘60’s. Many people look back on this time with fondness, remembering it as the good old days. Dean Brubaker came to the church as pastor, and soon afterward Jim Carpenter, a young man from the congregation, was licensed and ordained to ministry. Under their leadership, significant growth, a variety of ministries, and effective outreach marked the next 20 years. Youth groups were large, with 22 young people baptized in 1971. Many pastors and church leaders were nurtured and developed here. During the Vietnam-era draft, many young men in the congregation chose alternative service and worked in hospitals and other settings around the country. Heart to Heart, a mentoring ministry, touched the lives of many women. In 1975 a fellowship hall was added onto the building, with extensive Sunday School space in its basement. Church attendance peaked in 1984 when 425 were present on a Sunday morning.
A few painful things did happen. The charismatic movement was strong during that time, and some left Locust Grove for churches that were more charismatic. And in the late 1980’s, the highly respected leadership provided by Dean and Jim came to a close. However, etched into the minds of many was the feeling that one shouldn’t talk about painful things.
The next eleven years—which we’re now callin g the tough years—brought difficulty and transition. The congregation’s energy faded and attendance declined. The church school which begun in 1983 became a patron-run school and moved to a new location. Changes in worship style delighted some and disturbed others. Pastoral tenures were short and marked by controversy. For a time, the youth group remained strong in numbers and attendance, but a major church split in 1997 brought the end of that time of youth-group prosperity.
Clashing leadership styles and differing understandings of the role of the pastor were key factors in this split. Average attendance on Sunday mornings dropped quickly from 250 to 150. Those who remained felt angry, hurt, and resentful over what had happened. Enthusiasm was at a all-time low. But when we were at the bottom, God helped us begin to find our way upward.
In 1998, Gerald Sims came to the church purely as an interim pastor to promote rebuilding and healing. When he suggested putting together a Christmas drama for the community, the congregation embraced the idea and developed a large and very successful presentation. This event was well received and annually drew over 2,500 people. The drama was set in ancient Israel, included an authentic New-Testament meal, and told the story of Mary through song and high-quality acting, as well as elaborate set design and costumes. Many individuals gave tremendous time and effort as the entire congregation worked together to make the event happen. In addition to the healing that took place through the drama, this period marked the beginning of several small groups within the church, a leadership restructuring and a return to stability and growth.
After Gerald Sims finished the three-year interim term with the congregation in 2001, John Troyer was called to come to the church as pastor. During John and Sheila's time, the youth group strengthened and contuined to grow, including a newly formed junior high youth group.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and after seven years, the congregation—through the leadership of the elders—decided to end the production of the Christmas drama after the Christmas of 2003. It had become difficult over the years to find qualified leadership and people with the vast amount time and the energy required to put on such an elaborate production. We decided that our efforts might be more productive if directed elsewhere.
In 2003, the congregation invited Jim Carpenter, former associate pastor here, and his wife, Faith, to serve as Pastors of Nurture together. In 2007, John Troyer, the lead pastor, brought his time at Locust Grove to a close. A pastoral search committe was formed to search for a new pastor. Bill Beck, and his wife Sherry were called to Locust Grove in May of 2008. His passions are the Word of God, youth, visitation and his family.
