OUR HISTORY

In 1906, after a revival meeting, the Burdine and Pace families began meeting together for prayer and Bible Study. The group continued to grow and in 1920 began renting space where Arps Dairy is currently located. In 1922, Reverend O.G. McClure of Defiance was called to serve as our first full-time pastor. The church grew to 66 people and built a church facility on Grove Street.

On September 12, 1948, they had grown to 150 worshippers and First Church moved into a new facility at 1035 Latty Street. Pastor Fred Pinyoun preached the morning sermon. The church continued to experience modest growth, and retired the debt on that facility in 1966.

Steady growth continued until 1972. The congregation soon outgrew its facilities with an average of 327 in worship, 215 in Sunday School, and 170 on Wednesday night.

In September 1976, First Church embarked on a “bold venture” by purchasing 40 acres on Carter Road to accommodate future growth. In 1978, attendance averaged 440 in worship and 390 in Sunday School. The first worship service in this facility took place on April 6, 1980.

Rainbow Promise Childcare Center and Preschool opened in 1984 under the leadership of Charlene Rock and Connie Kellermyer.

In 2000, the former parsonage on the east side of the church parking lot was utilized as a youth center named “The Spot” (Simple Place of Togetherness). In an effort to better serve the needs of youth in the church and the area, a groundbreaking was held November 21, 2004 for the construction of the Summit Youth Center, now located next to the existing facilities.

First Church has been impacting Defiance and beyond for over 100 years now, and we fully believe the best is yet to come. We are excited for what God has in store as we meet people where they are at and love them to where Jesus wants them to be, and we hope you’ll join us on that journey!