Church of God celebrates 60th anniversary
COSHOCTON – The Church of God, located on South Second Street in Coshocton, celebrated its 60th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 19 with an afternoon filled with activities for the whole family. Despite the chilly weather, the kids in the congregation, all bundled up in sweaters and coats, came out to enjoy a train ride with John Brill as engineer, a bounce house, inflatables, obstacle courses, football, ski ball, a fishing pond, door prizes, and food.
“We want everyone to feel like a part of a family,” said Pastor Jim Childers. “We’re not a large church. We worship in the old way and still sing out of hymnals.”
The church started in 1954 in Roscoe in storefront buildings and people’s homes. When the property on Second Street came up for sale at a low price, the church built its present church at that location in 1955 and has been there ever since, and the congregation has grown.
“What makes you a member here is you’re born again in Christ,” said Pastor Childers. “We’re also trying to increase our youth program so our church will have a future.”
One member of the congregation has been with the church since the beginning. Nadine McKnight is 96 years old and was the founding pastor’s wife.
“She’s very loyal to the church,” said Pastor Childers. “She’s just a sweetheart. She’s got a heart as big as all outdoors. She’s just a loving lady.”
The Church of God is always accepting new members into their family.
“We want people to know that we’re here and we want to be a part of the community,” said Pastor Childers. “We don’t want to take people away from their home church, but we’re trying to reach a hand out to those who don’t go to church and welcome them into our family.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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