In the late 1920’s, through the providence of God, two families who were
Nazarenes moved to Dalton, Georgia. They were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Hendershot Sr. and Mrs. Mattie Reed. After becoming close friends they
began discussing the possibility of a Nazarene Church being started in
this area.
Like so many of our churches in those early days, they began by
promoting a tent meeting. Rev. H.A. Forrester was the called evangelist.
Later G.E. Johnson and family conducted a campaign, and it was during
this meeting that the church was officially organized and became a
reality. This occurred in late November of 1930.
There were seven charter members: Mr.. & Mrs. Harvey Hendershot,
Mrs. Mattie Reed, Mr. & Mrs. Otto Miller, and Mr. & Mrs. Cliff
Clark.
A building was rented, located one block north of the existing
structure. The District superintendent Hudson as the new Pastor
appointed Rev. Hendershot. During this three-year period, the church
purchased a lot with a frame store building on it, located at 66 North
Hamilton Street. It was remodeled and made more suitable to worship in.
This building stood on the same ground that the present church occupies
today.
During Rev. Hendershot’s ministry six other members were added to the
church. These were Mr. & Mrs. Frank Watkins, Helen Watkins (now Mrs.
Helen Hawkins), Miss Bertie and Lilly Powell and Mrs. Bobbie Davis.
The construction of the church at 66 North Hamilton Street was begun
during the pastorate of Rev. M.M. Moore in 1936. Due to a small
congregation and financial difficulties the board decided to postpone
the building program.
Rev. W. H. Boswell was installed as pastor in 1943 and served until
1945. During this time the church building was completed.
Rev. Herman Ward came as pastor in 1950 to 1954 and a new parsonage was
built during his pastorate.
In 1955, several members of the local congregation felt the need in the
city for a Nazarene work on the East side of town, and the Grace church
of the Nazarene Church was begun. Since then, through the years quite a
number of the pastors were instrumental in many remodeling projects and
improvements of the church.
In 1974, a new parsonage was purchased.
In February 1984 the church purchased 3.4 acres on Tibbs Road, which was
sold in 1986 to the First Presbyterian Church and the present property
at 2325 Chattanooga Road was purchased, and building plans and
construction started on a new church.
On December 7, 1986, the present church was dedicated. Rev. Tom Cook was
the pastor.
On December 7, 1987 the Tipton family Life Center was dedicated in
memory of George B. Tipton (Tippy), Son of George and Louise Tipton.
On January 12, 1993, Pastor Larry D. Hancock Conducted a Mortgage
burning service to acknowledge the payment in full, of the church
parsonage at 603 Brookview lane.
A new brick sign was erected at the entrance of the front drive in
memory of Jim Cole, Sr. and Burylon Calhoun.
On July 1994 the church property was paid in full and a mortgage burning
service was held on Homecoming Sunday, September 25, 1994.
A New 15 passenger Church Van was purchased.
In 1996 The classrooms were re-decorated with paint and wallpaper.
In March 2000 the Family Life Center was upgraded with central heat and
air.
In September 2000, The front foyer of the church was re-modeled with new
windows giving an Atrium effect. Stone flooring was installed in the
foyer. New furniture (table, curio cabinet, and two chairs) was
purchased for the foyer of the church. Landscaping was completed outside
the foyer with a pond, fountain, flowers, and bench by David
Leatherman. This project was donated in memory of Jim Cole and in Honor
of Dot Cole.
In May of 2003 – Rev. Larry Hancock retired.
In October of 2003 – Rev. Gary Mimbs came to be the pastor . – The
parsonage was remodeled adding a new roof, carpet, paint and vinyl
siding.
In March of 2004 – a new “power point” projector was purchased to
enhance the worship services.
In June of 2004 – The Church undertook a major remodeling project. The
platform in the sanctuary was reconfigured with new carpet and paint
also being added. The pews and chairs were reupholstered. The rest of
the building received new carpet and several Sunday school rooms were
redecorated by the individual classes.
In August of 2005- The youth building was remodeled.
February 22, 2006 - Higher Ground Community Service began
services on Wednesday mornings at 11:00.
