HARTFORD CITY WESLEYAN CHURCH HISTORY

    The vision for Hartford City Wesleyan was initially formed during a tent meeting at the old county fairground (site of the old Blackford County Hospital). Soon after, twenty charter members came together on September 21, 1886 to formally organize as The Wesleyan Methodist Church. From there, services were held in the Maddox Building, corner of Monroe and Washington Streets. Later, meetings were held in the old Dick Hall on the East side of the public square. The following spring (1887), they made preparations for, and built, a house of worship. The half lot that held the original wood frame building, which was constructed to a large extent by donated labor, was purchased by trustees on February 21, 1887 at a price of $100.00. This half lot is where the main entrance of our present facilities now stands.

    In 1918 H.C.W.M.C. had its greatest crisis. The church was down to only 17 in Sunday School, in a serious financial strain, a new roof was needed, and the pastor had resigned. It seemed as though the only alternative was to close the church. However God spoke to one of the church members, John Croy, and called him to pastor the small struggling church. Rev. Croy pastored the church for 15 years, longer then any other pastor, and saw the church grow and become stable.

    The full lot on which the main auditorium stands was purchased June 8, 1945, it was purchased for only $1.00. In 1946 the congregation voted to adopt a 5 year plan to replace the small wooden frame building with a much larger brick structure. The building fund was started August 1, 1946 by Rev. John Reed, with only $9.54. This building fund was entitled “Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow”, and so it was with this building fund. God has been good to us and because of the generosity and faithfulness of the membership, the fund grew to enormous proportions and we can readily see today we have a beautiful house dedicated to the Lord. The first phase of this building project began with a groundbreaking for the basement on June 12, 1949. The basement of the church was completed October 23, 1949.

On May 31, 1951 it was decided to build the rest of the church in one phase instead of the original two phase plan.  

    On September 2, 1952 Rev. Clifford Hoover came to H.C.W.M.C. On February 11, 1954 the church voted, under the leadership of Rev. Hoover, to change the building plans and borrow up to $20,000 to finish the building. The first Sunday in the new building was on November 31, 1954; however, the church was not finished and dedicated until November 6, 1955.

    In 1968 the Wesleyan Methodist church merged with the Pilgrim Holiness church to form The Wesleyan Church denomination. Therefore in 1968 the local church became known as The Hartford City Wesleyan Church. From 1982 to 1985 there was a 30% increase in attendance and more than a 70% increase in giving which enabled the expansion of our ministry influence throughout the community. With a vision centered in the future, the church wants to be known as a church that is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with a changing world.

    At Hartford City Wesleyan, we believe our mission is to glorify God and tell others the Good News about His Son, Jesus Christ. Comprised of all age groups, we seek to worship the Lord through contemporary and traditional music, as well as relevant messages that can be understood and applied by ALL (whether you’re stepping foot into church for the first time ever or have been "churched" all your life). Though we aren’t perfect, we truly strive to help each other grow closer to Jesus. If you’re looking for a place that cares more for your soul than your wallet, brand of clothes or color of skin...check us out!