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Our Deeper Roots
Find more about the rich heritage here at Rush.
The Rush Community Church of the Nazarene began in 1855 as a Baptist Church and was rebuilt in 1870. It was once again rebuilt in 1904, and at that time it became a Methodist church. There was a time that the church was closed, but with the leadership of three men, Dan Edwards, Clyde Sproul, and T. B. McMillen, it was reopened in 1927 as a community church. In 1952, under the leadership of Rev. L.D. Smith, it became the Rush Community Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Melvin Shoemaker was called as the first full-time pastor in 1954.
Rush Church still has a unique and compelling ministry to the community.
Pastors of The Rush Community Church
Rev. C. F. Whetsell (1927-1930)
Rev. C. Jones (1930-1935)
Rev. C. J. Haas (1935-1944)
Rev. L. D. Smith (1944-1949)
Rev. L. D. Smith (1949-1954)
Rev. M. H. Shoemaker (1954-1957)
Rev. J. K. Copenhaver (1957-1963)
Rev. L. Baltz (1963-1966)
Rev. C. J. Haas (1966-1970)
Rev. H. Webster (1970-1973)
Rev. R. Whittenberger (1973-1980)
Rev. J. Pearce (1980-1984)
Rev. R. Ward (1984-1988)
Rev. D. Burton (1988-1991)
Dr. B. Rorabaugh (1992-1998)
Rev. T. McPherson (1998-2002)
Dr. D. Downs (2003-2012)
Rev. B. Warkentine (2013-present)
A New Vision
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