"Local Church Conference Business Meeting"
Join us on May 20 at 5pm for our Local Church Conference. This is an important business meeting for all congregation members.
"Men Following Christ"
Men! Come and join us at Grace College Alpha Dining Hall for a time of breakfast, fellowship, worship and devotion on May 26 from 8-10am!
"First Friday Outreach"
Join us we hand out water and soft drinks at the Community First Friday Event on June 1.
"Missions Car Wash"
Join us for our missions car wash at the Detroit Street Penguin Point on Saturday, June 2!
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WHO ARE WE? We are everyday people who have decided to follow Jesus. We are imperfect people who have discovered that God's grace and forgiveness transforms us and sets us free from sinful habits and lifestyles. We are grace-givers who are attempting to reach people for God's kingdom. Our MISSION STATEMENT describes us as... "Fully Devoted Followers of Jesus Christ" --- that's truly who we are trying to become.
WHO ARE WE? Throughout North America we have over 1800 local Wesleyan congregations; worldwide, the Wesleyan Church denomination has missions work in over 50 countries; locally we are a Bible-believing group of people who teach, preach and promote holiness of living. We exalt Jesus Christ as the sinless and divine Son of God. We believe Christ is the only Savior and that God loves all persons and has a wonderful plan for each life. We believe mankind can have a personal relationship with God through placing faith in Christ's redemptive work.
WHO ARE WE? Our prayer is that you'll COME & FIND OUT. May we worship, fellowship and experience Christian growth together.
May God bless you!
PASTOR "J"
Rev. Gale A. Janofski
The Warsaw Wesleyan Church began on a small lot on West Pike Street for the purchase cost of $25.00. The founding family was Jacob and Ellen Johnson who along with two other families approached the Indiana Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection (Church) of America to purchase the above property. A building about the size of a garage was erected there on March 10, 1902. For a while, Warsaw, Larwill, Laketon and finally Silver Lake were added as a circuit called the "Laketon Circuit." (around 1923-24).
Many pastors have served the church over the years (a more detailed history is on file in the church archives). Rev. Ora Irvine was pastor from 1934-37 and a building fund was started to buy a lot on West Market & Pine Street to build a new church. Rev. Levi Hill was asked to help complete the project of relocation during his pastor tenure (1937-38). The little church building on Pike Street was moved to the back side of the new property on Market Street.
The church was almost closed in 1940 by the District Superintendent, Rev. J.C. Pitts, but former pastor, known as Grandma Irvine to many, gave reasons as to why the church should remain open. Her diligence and faithfulness in visitation helped the church stay the course. She and her husband, Dr. Wendall Hansen, assisted in the growth of the struggling church. They were known also for the traveling "Hansen's Bible Birds" all over the United States.
The new church was finally built on Market Street and dedicated on July 11, 1943, amidst the war years. In the early 40's and 50's new families moved into the community and began attending the church which brought vital support and talent to the church ministries. The 50's and 60's saw new increases in growth of the church. Pews and a piano were added as well as a narthex along with much needed remodeling to the old basement. By 1970, all work was completed and attendances were running in the 90's. In 1968, the merger of two denominations, The Pilgrim Holiness Church and The Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, resulted in the new church name of "The Wesleyan Church." In the early 70's a bus ministry began and soon attendance topped 200. More property around Market Street was purchased. Read More...
Under the leadership of Rev. Dwight Addington (1978-1981) faith mission giving was introduced for the helping of missionaries in overseas ministry world-wide. That beginning continues today with thousands of dollars given each year to specific mission ministries.
The new and present location of the Warsaw Wesleyan Church on West Old Road 30 was built in 1981 and dedicated on November 14, 1982, under the leadership of Rev. Dave Wilson. The story of the church's change of location and the merger of the Nappanee Wesleyan Church is interesting and can be found in the church archives. Rev. Paul James became the pastor in 1986 and under his leadership dynamic growth occurred. The church went from 300 to 650 in attendance. Church staff was also added during Pastor Paul's nine year tenure at WWC. In 1991, the current office complex, gym and educational space were added to the building. During the years 1995-2000, the Wee Care ministry was created and still remains a vital ministry to the community providing day care and pre-school care.
A number of pastors and staff support have played an important role in the church. Two senior pastors went on to serve the church as District Superintendents of Districts, Rev. Paul James and Rev. Dan Berry.
The present pastoral staff is building on the foundation stones that other leaders have laid before us. Senior Pastor, Rev. Gale Janofski and his staff are following the good example that has been set before the church to develop a forever family in the Kingdom of God. The church presently has between 400-450 attendees each week and peaks about 550-600 on special day occasions. It hosts a variety of church ministries for adults, youth, young adults, and children's programming as well as Wee Care.
You are invited to attend and become a part of this thriving church family who exalts God and the Lord Jesus Christ in its worship. Two worship services are offered at 9:00 and 10:45 am. Spiritual formation (Bible and Sunday School) classes are provided coinciding with the worship times.
History of the Church taken from Mrs. Loretta Garver's notes of the 100th anniversary celebration service on September 22, 2002... this is an excerpt only. To read the full, detailed story, please contact the church office archives.
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