BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PORTAGE CENTRAL CHURCH OF GOD
The Gary Church of God (mother church of the Church of God in Northwest Indiana) was organized on March 11, 1951. From that congregation, on January 11, 1953, the Portage Church of God was organized by State Overseer, C.R. Spain and District Overseer, Paul W. Norris. Because the city of Portage had not been incorporated at the time, the church was originally called the Garyton Church of God.
The church began meeting in a home through the guidance of Ruth Gobin, and was later moved to the American Legion building where it was organized. Through the efforts of members, Hershall Goggins and Clifton Selvage, property was purchased at 5553 Bryant Lane, Portage, Indiana. For the next several months, the congregation worshipped in a tent, located on the church property. Construction soon began on the church basement where the congregation worshipped for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed.
In 1969, under the leadership of Pastor L.E. Shook, the church purchased property on Central Avenue, for a cost of $15,000. After paying off the property in 1971, the present structure was built under the leadership of Pastor Raph and Amelia Tummonds. Over the years, much remodeling has taken place to accommodate the growing congregation. In 2000, the church purchased an additional adjoining three acres of property for future development.
In 1981, under the leadership of Pastor Jerry and Carolyn Martin, the Central Avenue Church of God continued to fulfill its vision to Pastor the city, doing church as a team, as every member become a doer and it's mission to exalt the Lordship of Jesus Christ as we purposefully G.R.O.W. the church by:
Presently: Pastor Robert & Brandy Sluder became the Lead Pastor on September 30, 2018 and are building on the foundations and legacy of the previous leadership and congregation. Pastor Robert has a passion in making disciples that connects to the word GRACE:
The church began meeting in a home through the guidance of Ruth Gobin, and was later moved to the American Legion building where it was organized. Through the efforts of members, Hershall Goggins and Clifton Selvage, property was purchased at 5553 Bryant Lane, Portage, Indiana. For the next several months, the congregation worshipped in a tent, located on the church property. Construction soon began on the church basement where the congregation worshipped for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed.
In 1969, under the leadership of Pastor L.E. Shook, the church purchased property on Central Avenue, for a cost of $15,000. After paying off the property in 1971, the present structure was built under the leadership of Pastor Raph and Amelia Tummonds. Over the years, much remodeling has taken place to accommodate the growing congregation. In 2000, the church purchased an additional adjoining three acres of property for future development.
In 1981, under the leadership of Pastor Jerry and Carolyn Martin, the Central Avenue Church of God continued to fulfill its vision to Pastor the city, doing church as a team, as every member become a doer and it's mission to exalt the Lordship of Jesus Christ as we purposefully G.R.O.W. the church by:
- G-oing to the lost with the Gospel; by
- R-eproducing converts into Spirit-filled disciples; by enabling believers to take
- O-wnership for the word of ministry; by strengthening faith through fellowship and Pentecostal
- W-orship.
Presently: Pastor Robert & Brandy Sluder became the Lead Pastor on September 30, 2018 and are building on the foundations and legacy of the previous leadership and congregation. Pastor Robert has a passion in making disciples that connects to the word GRACE:
- G-rowing in the Knowledge of God
- R-eceiving the Power of the Holy Spirit and the Tools for Ministry
- A-nswering the Call to Ministry
- C-ommitting to the World Harvest
- E-vangelizing to the Lost and Hurting.