(PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
As the Fayette Church of the Nazarene prepares to celebrate its centennial in June, members and leaders are taking time to reflect on the faith, perseverance, and vision that have sustained the church since its humble beginnings in 1925.
The roots of the church trace back to a small group of believers who were seeking more than what their current congregation could offer. S.W. Brawley, Sr., Eva Brawley, Ira and Isa Jones, E.L. Lester, Florence Lester, Victor Lester, Dorothy Lester, L.L. and Olive Shank, and Jim and LaVina Spengler were members of the United Brethren Church in Fayette when they encountered Rev. Spengler, a holiness evangelist and father of Ilene Whitis. Inspired by his message, they became deeply moved by the call to a holier way of living.
In 1924, the group of twelve traveled to a camp meeting in Portage, Ohio, in search of deeper understanding. The experience confirmed their desire to bring the message of holiness back to their community in Fayette.
With growing conviction, Jim Spengler, Lloyd Shank, and Elmer Lester organized a holiness tent meeting in May 1925. The group rented a lot next to 508 South Street and set up a tent with basic seating made from cement blocks and wooden planks.
The night before the event, strong winds tore the tent and collapsed the structure. Undeterred, the group worked into the evening to repair the damage and ensure the meeting could proceed.
Evangelist D.A. Glaze led the services, and on July 7, 1925, fifteen individuals united to formally organize the Fayette Church of the Nazarene under the leadership of District Superintendent N.B. Herrell.
The charter members included Doris Lester Bair, M.G. Bair, John and Velva Ballmer, Eva and Welburn Brawley, Sentle Gray (a young boy saved during a prayer meeting), Ira and Isa Jones, Elmer, Florence, and Victor Lester, Lloyd and Olive Shank, and LaVina Spengler.
The new congregation quickly took steps to establish regular ministries. The first Sunday School was held on June 14, 1925, with fifteen in attendance and a collection offering of $1.00.
John Ballmer served as the first Sunday School Superintendent, and the initial church board was made up of Trustees L.L. Shank, Ira Jones, and E.L. Lester, along with Stewards Isa Jones, Florence Lester, and S.W. Brawley.
As the weather turned colder, the congregation met in members’ homes, including the Lesters and the Joneses. But the need for a permanent place of worship became clear.
They purchased a lot at 424 South Fayette Street for $100 and an old Dunkard Church building for $200, which was located nearly ten miles away.
Teams of horses hauled lumber back to town, one load at a time. Men dismantled the building while women helped by pulling nails and loading boards. With long days and hard labor, the building was gradually transported to Fayette.
Financial challenges persisted, but the congregation’s prayers were answered. Elmer Lester committed to donate $250 later in the year, and Lloyd Shank and Ira Jones each secured personal loans after the local banker refused to support a “holiness church.”
Another boost came from a nearby United Brethren Church on Ingall Highway, which sold its pews, pulpit, and furnace. Though a neighbor objected to the removal of the items, a compromise allowed the purchase of the pews and furnace to stand.
An error in measuring the foundation left it two feet wider than the building, but that mistake proved providential. The extra width allowed the pews to fit, something that would not have been possible otherwise. On Thanksgiving Eve of 1925, the first service was held in the newly reconstructed building at 424 South Fayette Street.
That original building served the congregation for nearly four decades until December 1964, when the first unit of the present church at 511 South Fayette Street was completed. The old building now houses the Fayette American Legion.
Expansions to the current facility were completed in 1979, 1981, and again in 2006, when a new classroom, foyer, kitchen, pastor’s study, storage room, and handicapped-accessible restrooms were added.
Over the past 100 years, Fayette Church of the Nazarene has been served by 23 pastors and only five treasurers—evidence of both commitment and continuity among its leadership.
Today, the church is home to a wide variety of ministries. Programs like JAM (Jesus and Me) for children ages four through fifth grade, and IGNITE for middle and high school students, offer age-appropriate spiritual guidance.
Seniors Coffee Hour welcomes attendees aged 60 and older for weekly fellowship, while men and women engage in regular Bible studies and social events such as the monthly Sassy Seniors luncheons.
Christian Education classes, formerly known as Sunday School, and Sunday morning worship services remain central to the life of the church
Fayette Church of the Nazarene is also deeply rooted in the community. It hosts educational and support programs such as LifeWise, Learning Friends (a CED program), and Summer Conversations (a TACKLE initiative promoting mental health for youth).
It also provides space for a community garden and supports local missions such as Helping Hands Food Pantry and Women of Strength, a community-wide Bible study for women.
Looking ahead, the church is focused on both spiritual and community growth. Plans are in motion to introduce enrichment programs including parenting classes, marriage and relationship workshops, Celebrate Recovery, Grief Share, and a relaunch of DivorceCare. A future goal is the construction of a multi-purpose facility, tentatively named “The Junction,” to support these expanded ministries.
In keeping with this vision, the church will host its Centennial Celebration on Sunday, June 8, 2025, under the theme “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future – A Century of Grace.” The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with a worship service, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall.
At 2 p.m., a special program in the sanctuary will honor long-time members, past attendees, and former pastors, with hymn-style music and a spirit of reflection.
Children will enjoy inflatables, while a photo booth will offer fun and memories for all attendees. Memorabilia displays, commemorative gifts, and a Centennial Celebration booklet will help mark the occasion.
As the congregation enters its second century, members remain grounded in their mission. “God has been so good to us,” reads a statement from the church. “It is through His strength, guidance and leaning on His wisdom we have made it this far.
We recognize the dedication, sacrifice, faith, prayers and obedience of those who have gone before us. May we continue this legacy and pass the torch of Christ, His love and truth to the next generation.”