Published: October 03, 2008 11:38 pm            

Brazil church celebrates 100th anniversary of Church of the Nazarene

Brazil First Church of the Nazarene will join with 18,000 other Nazarene churches in 151 world areas Sunday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church of the Nazarene.

Church of the Nazarene has its roots in Methodism, drawn from the teachings of English evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791).

The denomination was established in October 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas. The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

The local Brazil First Church will celebrate its 88th anniversary within the denomination. After numerous attempts to start a Holiness church, the Church of the Nazarene in Brazil was organized with 17 charter members in October 1919 after an old-fashioned tent meeting in Oak Park addition (where St. Vincent Clay Hospital is now located). The Revs. George and Effie Moore were the evangelists at that revival.

The Rev. H.H. Dickey was called as first pastor who served until the fall assembly of the Indiana District in 1920. At this assembly, the organization of the church became official. At the beginning, the Brazil church held their services in a rented building, until the membership grew to 64.

The first property they bought was at Lambert and Church streets.

The building was built and the cornerstone was laid on Dec. 2, 1923.

After 25 years, it was necessary to build a bigger building to accommodate the crowds.

In 1947, the congregation bought a lot at 1002 E. National Ave. and under the ministry of the Rev. Guthrie Hughes in 1948, a new church was built at that site.

Sunday school annex was added and dedicated in 1955 while the Rev. Robert Jones was pastor. Many of the members worked as carpenters, plumbers and masons on building the new church and annex.

In 1971, the people were beginning to see the need for a new house of worship.

An architect was selected and plans began to develop. The new church went up in 1974. On Feb. 17, 1974, the congregation had their first service in the new sanctuary.

The will have a special day of celebration Sunday with services at 9 a.m. with Life classes, a special morning worship service at 10, a pitch in dinner at noon and a “Gospel Sing” at 2 p.m. The Gospel Sing will feature talent from our own church and throughout our community.

The community is invited.

        

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