West Clinton Mennonite Church

The History of West Clinton Mennonite Church

Birth is a hard process, as most people realize. The birth of a new church or congregation is no exception. In 1907 the Central Mennonite Church, located near Archbold, decided a church business meeting was needed. Central’s congregation was rapidly growing, and they had problems seating people for services and special events.

On January 10, 1908, it was agreed that two churches should be built. One would be located to the east (which would be West Clinton Mennonite Church), and one would be located to the west (which would be the Lockport Mennonite Church). These churches would not be three different congregations, but one ministry with meeting places in three separate locations.

Land was purchased for the eastern meeting house from Elias L. Frey. It was located one mile to the east of the German Township line and within Clinton Township, thus the name West Clinton Mennonite Church. On this ground one 36’ x 52’ building was built by D.W. Nofziger in 1908.

On March 22, 1908, Elias L. Frey was ordained as bishop of West Clinton. The first meeting was a funeral held on November 15, 1908.

On January 17, 1915, the first independent service was held at West Clinton. Up until this time the churches had been taking turns holding services on alternating Sundays. After this time the "end" church took turns meeting with the Central Church congregation. While Lockport would meet with Central, West Clinton would hold its own services. Likewise, while West Clinton held a meeting with Central’s congregation, Lockport would hold its own services. At this time the congregation was still considered one congregation with one ministry.

In 1922, Lockport began to hold its own services every Sunday within its own walls, but West Clinton continued to have services every other Sunday, still meeting with Central’s congregation on alternate Sundays.

In the 1930’s, the memberships of the total congregation soared at over one thousand members. Because of the rapidly increasing numbers, the issue of expansion of the individual buildings became a necessity. In 1935 West Clinton began the process of enlarging its facilities.

It wasn't until 1944 that the three meeting houses decided to officially separate and form their own congregations and ministries. Although they separated, they still remained within the same church conference, the Ohio Conference. At this time Olen Nofziger was ordained deacon at West Clinton. On October 22 of that same year Dan Sommers became the first minister. He served until 1947 when he decided to join the congregation of North Clinton Mennonite Church, a branch off from West Clinton.

West Clinton brought in the New Year of 1945 by having their first business meeting ever on January 1, as a separate congregation.

Since that time West Clinton has flourished. Once again the building was built to the south of the previous building. It was built in the shape of an "L." The sanctuary, narthex, and library were located in the center. The north wing contained the children's Sunday School classrooms, the restrooms, and a conference room. The south wing contained the nursery, Fellowship Hall (including adult Sunday School classes), kitchen, and storage rooms. The building was dedicated on June 23, 1968. The old building was torn down. In the following years, the conference room and a classroom were used for a Pastor’s Study and a Secretary’s Office.

In 1983 the congregation celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

When a need for more space became apparent, a six-month major remodeling project was begun in October, 1996. The present building is the result. The north and south wings were widened, providing extra space for more Sunday School classrooms, a new Pastor’s Study, Church Secretary’s Office, expansion of the Fellowship Hall and kitchen. More storage area was added. At this time the library, nursery, and restrooms were moved and remodeled.

Through the patience, faith, hard work, and vision of its predecessors, West Clinton has emerged and grown into its own individual, prospering church you see today. The birthing process has finished, but the growing process is still continuing. With the same determination and faith as our predecessors, we follow the vision into the 21st century.