Syracuse Church Of God Celebrates 150 Years
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Staff Report-
Saturday will start off with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by a remembrance service at 3 p.m., a pulled pork supper at 5 p.m. and a worship service at 6:30 p.m. that will feature past pastors and an old-fashion hymn sing.
Sunday, a fellowship hour will begin at 9 a.m. with worship service starting at 10:15 a.m. Ed Rosenberry, director of the Churches of God, General Conference, will be a featured guest throughout the weekend and the keynote speaker during the Sunday morning worship service.
The church is at 104 E. Washington St., and the longest continuously functioning church in Syracuse and still worships in its original structure built in 1866-67.
The church was founded in 1863 by Elder George Thomas and 40 members. At the time, the village of Syracuse had a population of more than 300 persons. Thomas continued his work in Syracuse until he was replaced by Elders Elias Bryan and J. Shock. Bryan and Shock served the church from 1865-66.
Other early church officers were John Gordy, R.V. Cory and Jacob Ott as elders and Harvey Veneman and Amos King as deacons.
Early pastors included “circuit riders” Elder William Wesley Lovett, who served the church three different times from 1872-74, 1880-83 and 1889-90, and Rev. Joseph E. Bumpus, who served during 1873-1874 and again the following year.
In 1866, Elder J. Shock began construction of a 38-foot by 56-foot House of Worship on the north edge of town on a hill, the land being donated by a Joseph H. DeFrees.
Timber for the building was provided by early church member Charles H. Strombeck with Charles V. Smith plastering the walls of the sanctuary. Construction was completed in 1867, and Syracuse now had a beautiful new white church on the hill
At first the church shared its facility with other denominations including the Methodists, United Brethren, Lutherans and Dunkards. This arrangements continued for a number of years until the other denominations were able to construct their own houses of worship.
Today the church continues to worship in the original structure; although, it has been added onto and remodeled several times over the years. Pastor Stan Owen, who grew up in nearby Noble County, serves as the current pastor.
In addition to the public, a special invitation is extended to past members and others who have been affiliated with the church over the years to attend the celebration. Child care and children’s activities will be provided during the weekend events.
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
Saturday will start off with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by a remembrance service at 3 p.m., a pulled pork supper at 5 p.m. and a worship service at 6:30 p.m. that will feature past pastors and an old-fashion hymn sing.
Sunday, a fellowship hour will begin at 9 a.m. with worship service starting at 10:15 a.m. Ed Rosenberry, director of the Churches of God, General Conference, will be a featured guest throughout the weekend and the keynote speaker during the Sunday morning worship service.
The church is at 104 E. Washington St., and the longest continuously functioning church in Syracuse and still worships in its original structure built in 1866-67.
The church was founded in 1863 by Elder George Thomas and 40 members. At the time, the village of Syracuse had a population of more than 300 persons. Thomas continued his work in Syracuse until he was replaced by Elders Elias Bryan and J. Shock. Bryan and Shock served the church from 1865-66.
Other early church officers were John Gordy, R.V. Cory and Jacob Ott as elders and Harvey Veneman and Amos King as deacons.
Early pastors included “circuit riders” Elder William Wesley Lovett, who served the church three different times from 1872-74, 1880-83 and 1889-90, and Rev. Joseph E. Bumpus, who served during 1873-1874 and again the following year.
In 1866, Elder J. Shock began construction of a 38-foot by 56-foot House of Worship on the north edge of town on a hill, the land being donated by a Joseph H. DeFrees.
Timber for the building was provided by early church member Charles H. Strombeck with Charles V. Smith plastering the walls of the sanctuary. Construction was completed in 1867, and Syracuse now had a beautiful new white church on the hill
At first the church shared its facility with other denominations including the Methodists, United Brethren, Lutherans and Dunkards. This arrangements continued for a number of years until the other denominations were able to construct their own houses of worship.
Today the church continues to worship in the original structure; although, it has been added onto and remodeled several times over the years. Pastor Stan Owen, who grew up in nearby Noble County, serves as the current pastor.
In addition to the public, a special invitation is extended to past members and others who have been affiliated with the church over the years to attend the celebration. Child care and children’s activities will be provided during the weekend events.
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092