How it all started...
College First traces its roots all the way back to 1853! J. Myers, a pastor of our parent denomination, the Churches of God, General Conference, preached at a school in Findlay.
In 1858, the Rev. George U. Harn organized the First Church of God in Findlay. The congregation originally met in homes, then in the North Findlay School House, and then the United Brethren Church building. In 1866 First Church built its own building on the southwest corner of North Cory and West Front Streets.
Later, in 1887, Findlay College (now the University of Findlay) organized a Sunday School class after being open for one year. A year after that, in 1888, a church was organized, called College Church of God. In 1927, a proposed site for a building was selected on College Street, which is the site of our church building today.
In 1946, after much discussion and work, the two churches took a leap of faith to merge together into the College First Church of God. The original portion of our current building, the Sanctuary and Chapel, was completed and dedicated on April 23, 1950. An addition was built and dedicated on September 10, 1989 that currently holds our classrooms, Kids Ministry, offices, and entryway.
Various other updates, additions, and projects have existed ever since.
In 1858, the Rev. George U. Harn organized the First Church of God in Findlay. The congregation originally met in homes, then in the North Findlay School House, and then the United Brethren Church building. In 1866 First Church built its own building on the southwest corner of North Cory and West Front Streets.
Later, in 1887, Findlay College (now the University of Findlay) organized a Sunday School class after being open for one year. A year after that, in 1888, a church was organized, called College Church of God. In 1927, a proposed site for a building was selected on College Street, which is the site of our church building today.
In 1946, after much discussion and work, the two churches took a leap of faith to merge together into the College First Church of God. The original portion of our current building, the Sanctuary and Chapel, was completed and dedicated on April 23, 1950. An addition was built and dedicated on September 10, 1989 that currently holds our classrooms, Kids Ministry, offices, and entryway.
Various other updates, additions, and projects have existed ever since.
Expanding the vision...
Beyond the merger and construction projects, College First has expanded its ministry impact in the community of Findlay in more recent history through a variety of ways.
In 1993, we brought Pastor Will Miller on staff in a joint effort between the Church, the Denomination, and the University of Findlay as its first Director of Christian Ministries for the University. Having started with College First, that role has been fully taken on by the University of Findlay.
In affiliation with the University of Findlay, College First Church and the Great Lakes Region of the Churches of God fund an Associate Director of Campus Ministries who serves as a full time pastor and missionary to the campus community. The church also chaplains multiple UF sports teams and assists in leading multiple small groups and Bible studies on campus. You can find the current Director of Campus Ministries here.
In 2003, we launched a new Contemporary worship service in the newly constructed Winebrenner Theological Seminary building just south of our Sanctuary building. With an effort of reaching a new demographic of people, the new worship service took on a different style of worship with guitars and drums. That service has grown and continues today alongside of our Traditional/Blended worship services in the Sanctuary.
From 2011 to present, we facilitate a local mission trip weekend that we call the Backyard Mission Trip. Seeking to serve the community of Findlay by helping those right in our backyard, we form teams and send them out to help with landscaping, painting, repairs, and beyond. Over time the Backyard Mission Trip has grown relationships with other churches and organizations in Findlay and today exists as an ecumenical effort beyond College First - though we participate every year!
In 1993, we brought Pastor Will Miller on staff in a joint effort between the Church, the Denomination, and the University of Findlay as its first Director of Christian Ministries for the University. Having started with College First, that role has been fully taken on by the University of Findlay.
In affiliation with the University of Findlay, College First Church and the Great Lakes Region of the Churches of God fund an Associate Director of Campus Ministries who serves as a full time pastor and missionary to the campus community. The church also chaplains multiple UF sports teams and assists in leading multiple small groups and Bible studies on campus. You can find the current Director of Campus Ministries here.
In 2003, we launched a new Contemporary worship service in the newly constructed Winebrenner Theological Seminary building just south of our Sanctuary building. With an effort of reaching a new demographic of people, the new worship service took on a different style of worship with guitars and drums. That service has grown and continues today alongside of our Traditional/Blended worship services in the Sanctuary.
From 2011 to present, we facilitate a local mission trip weekend that we call the Backyard Mission Trip. Seeking to serve the community of Findlay by helping those right in our backyard, we form teams and send them out to help with landscaping, painting, repairs, and beyond. Over time the Backyard Mission Trip has grown relationships with other churches and organizations in Findlay and today exists as an ecumenical effort beyond College First - though we participate every year!
Where we're headed...
Scouts, Upward, Mobile Food Pantry, City Mission, and more...
We have served as the charter organization for Scout Pack and Troop 302 since 2019. This program offers weekly opportunities for students to explore nature, faith, and learn how to be leaders in their community.
Since launching in 2021, our Upward flag football program has grown to include 285 kids. This ministry allows young people to form faith based relationships and hear the Word of God in addition to learning teamwork and sportsmanship.
Our efforts to adapt and reach out haven't stopped! We continue to look for opportunities expand our impact with the community for the sake of the Kingdom of God. On the horizon is a significant effort in reaching families and young adults, as well as placing an emphasis on leadership development.
Since launching in 2021, our Upward flag football program has grown to include 285 kids. This ministry allows young people to form faith based relationships and hear the Word of God in addition to learning teamwork and sportsmanship.
Our efforts to adapt and reach out haven't stopped! We continue to look for opportunities expand our impact with the community for the sake of the Kingdom of God. On the horizon is a significant effort in reaching families and young adults, as well as placing an emphasis on leadership development.
The following verses from Psalm 102 help to lead the way:
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord: “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.”
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord: “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.”