Sunday, September 5, 2010 - 3:20 AM
Welcome to the Warsaw Wesleyan Church
A Message From Our Senior Pastor
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
History of Warsaw Wesleyan Church... Over a Century of Faith!
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.