History of Fellowship
Milestones in the history of Fellowship Church from its beginning as the One Way House in 1972 to present day as Fellowship Church in Springfield, Ohio.
1971-12-31 00:00:00
The Beginning
Grant Edwards founder, surrenders his life to Jesus Christ … New Year’s Eve 1971/1972
1972-03-01 00:00:00
Purchase S. Center Street property
Purchased first property on South Center Blvd in Springfield and became One Way House
1974-03-01 00:00:00
Move to Bird Road
Property was purchased at 891 N. Bird Road and the One Way House began meeting in the downstairs rooms of the large house.
1975-09-01 00:00:00
Wittenberg Outreach
Significant outreach and association with students on the campus of Wittenberg University.
1976-09-01 00:00:00
Small Groups
Small Groups were launched.
1978-11-01 00:00:00
John Essig Joins
John Essig surrenders his life to Jesus Christ and joins the One Way House team.
1978-12-01 00:00:00
Outreaches
Connecting with more than 25,000 young people who attend "Farm Out" and "Loft" outreaches.
1986-09-01 00:00:00
Fountain Avenue
Purchase of 424 South Fountain Avenue building.
1986-09-01 00:00:00
Renamed
The ministry was renamed to Fellowship Christian Church.
1987-06-01 00:00:00
Church Growth
Church growth with people older than 35 with families during the late-1980's.
1991-09-01 00:00:00
Russia Ministry
Grant Edwards takes his first trip to Russia which becomes the beginning significant outreach to this country.
1994-09-01 00:00:00
Connecting to Young People
Continue connection with young people through the Community Youth Center with over 20,000 admissions.
1996-06-01 00:00:00
Birth of First Steps
Fellowship's discipleship ministry is published in a workbook entitled Discipling Another to Love Jesus. This ministry later becomes First Steps and is taught around the United States and the world.
2000-10-01 00:00:00
Relocation to Upper Valley
Fellowship purchases an old Service Merchandise Building and moves to 2301 Valley Loop Road. Attendance jumps from 425 to 1000 the first Sunday.
2001-06-01 00:00:00
Philippines Ministry
Grant Edwards takes his first trip to Cebu, Philippines to teach about becoming disciples of Jesus. Discipleship is taught throughout the Philippines. Fellowship becomes involved with helping the poor in Cebu and begins a child sponsorship program. In April of 2008, Kristie and Danny Ward start Naomi's Heart Mission in the southern Philippines.
2002-01-01 00:00:00
Growth Continues
Significant growth in giving, staffing, outreach, infrastructure, and community development continues through the 2000's.
2011-09-01 00:00:00
Link Strategy
The Link Strategy was birthed to reach 150,000 people in our region who do not attend church. A Link was started in the Limecrest neighborhood and also in various nursing homes in the area.
2014-04-01 00:00:00
Spring Hill Campus Launched
Fellowship's second campus had its first service on Easter Sunday. The renovated church building on Limestone Street ministers to the neighborhood that surrounds it.
2015-09-01 00:00:00
Upper Valley Campus Expansion
The Upper Valley campus is renovated to focus on sports outreach and family ministry.