|
Our History
Christian Fellowship Church grew out of a tent meeting conducted by Rev. J.T. Parish, assisted by Rev. Carroll Parish and Rev. Gene Myers in September, 1969. After the organization of the church Rev. Carroll Parish became the pastor and continued the church until he was called to another field of service in 1970. For several months the church was without a pastor until Rev. J.T. Parish returned in March, 1971. He served as the pastor until January, 1995 when the church called Rev. David Parish to become the Senior Pastor.
The church has gone through several building programs since it was organized. The first building (an A-frame structure with a full basement) was begun in the spring of 1971. The first service was held in the basement of this building on July 4, 1971. In May, 1972, the upstairs auditorium was completed. In 1975 a 40' addition was added to the A-frame building and it served as the church auditorium until the construction of the present auditorium in 1980.
The church purchased a parsonage on property adjacent to the church in 1973 and remodeled and added to it in 1979. This house is still used in the ministry of the church as the meeting place for the Overcomers Ministry and our Food Pantry.
In 1979, the church purchased the adjacent 10+ acres. In 1980 the present auditorium with seating capacity for 500 was built. In 1984, the classrooms that presently house the high school were added to the gymnasium. In the 90's six mobile classrooms & housing facilities were also added. Since that time 23 additional acres have been purchased.
An excellent baseball diamond has been built for the use of Christian Fellowship School. Near the baseball diamond is theGary Hazelton Youth Building where our 24/7 Youth Church meets every Sunday night.
Christian Fellowship School was organized and started in 1984. CFS is a K4-12 school known for its Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment. The school consistently, year after year, leads all schools in the region, public and private, in ACT scores.
The School of Ministry was launched in 1997 and offers Bible school training to adults. Several SOM graduates are serving as pastors and leaders throughout the world.
World Missions and Evangelism was organized in 1988 and incorporated separately from the church. WME has successfully planted over 200 churches among previously unevangelized people.
When we look back at the history of Christian Fellowship Church, since its beginning under the tent in 1969 to today, we can say from our hearts, “To God be the glory, great things He has done.” As we look toward the future we fervently believe, “The greatest is yet to be!”
| 
