It was at this time that Jennie Sieberts came to the county. It was her heart's desire to establish a Church of God here. After attempting to do this in other locations, the group (approximately 35 in number at this time) started having Sunday School in the Craven school house which still stands at the back entrance of Sweetwater Lake. Horace Germany was pastor of this group until 1941. Clarence a
nd Myrtle Jackson were part of this congregation and owners of property adjacent to the school building, donated 2/5 acre of land with the express purpose that a Church of God be built there. A church building was purchased for $15.00 from one being dismantled in the southern part of the county which is now Yellowwood Lake. Later after the church was reconstructed (1938), furnishings, stove and piano were acquired from the old Anderson Church located in Camp Atterbury. There was no electricity in the county at this time, so this one room construction was lit by hanging kerosene lamp and heated with a wood stove. Electricity was added 1948 but the heating and the building remained virtually the same until the late 50's when oil heat and a small vestibule was added. Over the years (40's to 60's) there were numerous ministers in and out of the church, some were Church of God, and some were not, which caused the church to fail to maintain Church of God teachings. In 1960 under the supervision of Rev. Merl Culbertson (now deceased) new by-laws were adopted and trustees were elected to re-establish the congregation as Church of God as the early founders had desired. Myrtle Jackson was still active in the church at this time and continued to be so until her home was destroyed by fire in 1972, and circumstances and ill health prevented her from attending. More land was purchased from Mrs. Jackson in '61 and '70 for parking lot and church expansion. A full basement and sanctuary were added in 1964. The old part of the church was remodeled for Sunday School rooms. Merl Frost was pastor at this time. Again in 1978 under the leadership of Pastor Sam Harrington extensive remodeling and a large addition to the building was built. A garage and mobile home used as a parsonage have been added to the church property. From the first to the last building programs, volunteer labor from the congregation and community have accomplished this. Sam Harrington is pastor currently. The church is regularly active in mission work, local and foreign, with support and work camp groups going to Colombia and Guatemala each year. Attendance for worship services average 65-70. Our doctrine is the Bible and our creed, "We reach our hand in fellowship to every blood washed one," based on Acts 2:47...."And He added to the Church daily such as should be saved." This history was recorded by Viola Stewart around 2003+/-.
