History

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." Ps. 37:5

Conception

In 1941, a group from Salem Mennonite Church decided to begin a Mennonite mission in Wooster. In 1942 Rolland and Martha Ross purchased a home at 713 Gasche Street and offered the front room as a place for the group to meet.

In 1943, the Salem congregation requested that the Ohio Mission Board take over the work. The Mission Board purchased the Ross's house.

Wooster Mennonite Mission Formed

In 1944, Bishop D. D. Miller officially recognized eight charter members of the Wooster Mennonite Mission. Rudy Stauffer preached every Sunday morning, and then would return to Salem to preach until 1949 when D. W. Miller became pastor.

By 1948, Sunday school attendance averaged 85. By 1950, it rose to an average of 125. The church had outgrown its facilities. A search for a suitable site to build a church building led to the members purchasing a lot at 1563 Beall Avenue. The Mission Board approved the purchase and turned its property in Wooster to the church.

Building the Church

The plans for the new church building were drawn up and the ground breaking ceremony for the new church building was on March 21, 1951.

Construction work was done mostly by the members of the church. The basement was finished in December of 1951.

Becoming Wooster Mennonite Church

The church building was dedicated on November 21, 1954.

In 1957 Paul Brunner accepted the position of pastor. He served as pastor from 1957 to 1966. Church membership soared to 184.

From 1966 to 1976, Sanford Oyer served as pastor. Average attendance on a Sunday morning in 1975 was 182. In 1974, Al Martin joined the church as the minister of Christian education.

Disagreement and Split

However, the increases in attendance caused a need for a larger facility. In 1972, Church Council began working on plans for a new church building. A building site on Shelly Boulevard was selected.

However, there was much debate in the congregation on whether to move and build or whether to build an addition to the current building. Tension mounted in the congregation and members expressed that leadership might not be reflecting the needs and wishes of the congregation.

In 1976, several elders and the pastor resigned. Many members began attending different churches. The new church building was not pursued any farther.

Reconciling

The remaining members worked at reconciliation and rebuilding the lost and broken relationships. Archie Penner, interim pastor from 1976-78, was vital in helping heal hurts. A new vision grew out of Penner's interest in the ministry for college students and young adults.

From 1978 to 1987, Glen Horner served as pastor. Average worship attendance in 1978 was 125 and grew to 145 in 1982.

Building On

On May 5, 1985 ground was broken for an addition. The addition included an expanded fellowship space and church office. The sanctuary was remodeled and the seating reversed. An upper and a lower ramp were constructed to make the church handicap accessible.

On November 23, 1986, the building was dedicated.

Wayne Nitzsche served as pastor from 1987 until 1996.

Celebration

In 1992, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In the fall of 1996, Ralph Reinford became the pastor of the church.

The church was refurbished in 1999.

In 2000, the church felt a calling to hire a half-time youth pastor. Ryan Clements accepted this call and began work during the summer.

Throughout these years, God has been faithful to Wooster Mennonite as the church searches for its mission in Wooster and throughout the world.

Originally prepared by the 50-year Celebration Committee (Beulah Steiner, Frances Moser, Brenda Troyer, and Wayne Nitzche), 1992.

Modified by Ross Bay, October 12, 1998. Further modified November 30, 2002.