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Galion First Church of the Nazarene
Galion First Church of the Nazarene is located in Galion, Ohio. It is of the Church of the Nazarene denomination and is located in the North Central Ohio District.

History
THE CHURCH IS BORN

The Galion First Church of the Nazarene originated out of the efforts of Rev. J.V. Cook, evangelist, and Dwight Peffley, song director, at a tent meeting held on the west side of East Street in Galion during the summer of 1926.

REGULAR SERVICES BEGIN

A variety of locations provided meeting places for the fledgling congregation. The first regular services were held in the home of Mr. & Mrs. W.O. Baldinger. The services then moved to a hall on the third floor of a building on the Public Square. Later the services moved to a room at 217 S. Market Street.

THE CHURCH IS ORGANIZED

The church was organized on August 3, 1926 by District Superintendent Charles A. Gibson on what was at the time, the Central Ohio District. The church was organized with thirteen charter members.

THE FIRST CHURCH FACILITY

Rev. James C. Leonard served as pastor when the church facility at 124 West Atwood was built. The dedication of this first building was on January 22, 1939.

The West Atwood Street facility was remodeled and an educational unit was erected under the leadership of Rev. Paul C. Hayman in 1959. The educational unit was dedicated on December 13, 1959.

PRESENT CHURCH LOCATION

Under the leadership of Rev. Dale Hilkert, "Miracle Acres" was purchased and the first building was erected at 777 Fairview Avenue. It was dedicated on April 16, 1978. Then, in 1988, an educational/fellowship hall unit was added under the leadership of Dr. Timothy B. Pusey. The addition was dedicated on January 22, 1989 by District Superintendent Dr. Jack Archer. This dedication was 50 years to the day when the first church facility was dedicated.

TAKING A BOLD STEP

The vision of Rev. Michael R. Williams took the Galion Nazarene Church to yet another level as a plan was developed to add a Family Life Worship Center. Ground was broken in 1997 and on November 15, 1998 the new worship facility was dedicated. The building seats up to 500 and has been used to host everything from Christian concerts to open athletic nights.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

The future of the Galion First Church of the Nazarene is bright as God leads us into the next millennium. Under the leadership of Rev. Richard D. McCartney who joined us on November 26, 2000, the Lord is using His servants in Galion to fulfill His commission and to build His kingdom.