Stockwell United Methodist Church
“Impacting the World with the Love and Truth of Jesus Christ”
Stockwell is a medium sized church in Tippecanoe County that was established in 1864. However, the congregation of approximately 165 members has a big vision for the future.
As a church, they wanted to reach out to their community, but their space was limited. The largest space available would only hold about 100 people. Even most wedding receptions need to be held somewhere else. Their children’s Sunday school was held in a rather dark, dreary and dank basement. The only other large building in the area is the elementary school just outside of town. They knew something need to be done.
A visioning committee was established to dream big
dreams and strategize a plan for growth. Over a span of a year, they
determined what would
enable them to reach out to evangelize and disciple the people. It was
decided that in order, “to impact the world with the love and truth of
Jesus Christ” they would need more ministry space and an intentional
evangelism plan. A Building committee was then formed to determine what
to include in a new facility. A 9,500 square foot Family Life Center is
now in construction, housing a full size basketball court/ banquet hall,
classrooms, kitchen, storage, restrooms, commons/reception area and a
canopied entrance. They also were looking to the future. The town has no
preschool, so they built to the required specifications, and soon will
be ready to minister to the parents and children of the community.
“As a pastor of this church, and it being the only church in a 5 mile radius, we feel it is our responsibility to see that this generation hears the Good News of Jesus Christ. If we don’t do it, who will? It is our privilege and joy to be ambassadors of Jesus to the people of our community.” Pastor Mark Hill.
The Family Life Center was named in honor of the
ministry of Rev. Jack & Lois Williams. In the early 1960’s “Rev. Jack”
challenged pastors at a leadership conference that if small churches
were to grow, experienced pastors from large churches would need to take
up small church leadership. He was approached by a North Indiana
Conference district superintendent to back up his statement. Pastor
Williams answered the call and in 1966 he assumed leadership of the
Stockwell/ Romney Charge. He left his large 900-member church in
Pennsylvania to serve the small churches of rural
Indiana. He served
Stockwell for 24 years until his retirement in 1990.
Through a capital campaign, the church was able to raise $600,000. They approached the Loan Fund to help with the remainder of the funds needed. The Loan Fund is honored to be able to assist financially in the growth of this community outreach ministry.
- Updated 09/27/2007. Questions? Comments? Contact the webmaster
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