History of Brazil Church of the Nazarene

Formation

In 1918, an old-fashioned tent meeting held on the lawn of what is now Ascension St. Vincent Clay Hospital lead to the formation of the Brazil Church of the Nazarene.  Jay Pitts chronicled this story in his booklet titled, “Among the Oaks,” the opening line of which reads, “If the huge oak trees on the lawn of the Clay County Hospital could tell a story, they would speak of a baby church that was born where they now stand, as a result of the power of the Holy Spirit[.]”

In October 1919, 17 charter members organized the Church of the Nazarene at Brazil, Indiana. The Rev. H.H. Dickey was called as the first pastor, and at the fall assembly of the Indiana District in 1920, the church became an official part of the Church of the Nazarene.

Early Growth

Services were held in a rented store on Meridian Street just south of National Avenue before moving to a store building on West National Avenue near South Sherman Street. When church membership grew to 64, property was purchased at Lambert St and Church St. The building was built and the cornerstone was laid on December 2, 1923.

In 1947, the church had outgrown its building, and the congregation purchased a lot at the current location of 1002 East National Avenue. Under the ministry of Rev. Guthrie Hughes in 1948, a new church was built. In 1955, a Sunday School Annex was added and dedicated under the ministry of Rev. Robert Jones. Many members of the church worked as carpenters, plumbers, and masons to build the new church and annex.

Continuing the Mission

In 1971, a new house of worship was needed. An architect was hired and plans were developed and selected, and in 1974, the first service was held in the new sanctuary. In the years since then, the sanctuary has been remodeled and updated. But through it all, we continue to celebrate rich history of the church in our community and the work that God has been able to accomplish through us.