The Beginnings: 1887 - 1907
Some called it Marsten's Folly -"Marsten's" after The Rev. Frances Marsten (organizing pastor) and "Folly" because the location at 760 E. Broad Street seemed too far removed from the downtown to prosper. Such was the beginning of Broad Street Presbyterian Church. Presbyterians had been in Ohio for almost a century and the Rev. James Hoge had established the First Presbyterian Church of Franklinton (later Columbus) 81 years earlier.
Dr. Marsten, then Pastor of First Church, saw the residential growth on the near east side of Columbus. On September 19, 1887, 94 individuals responded to a call to meet at the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church to discuss forming a permanent congregation. Rev. Marsten was chosen as first pastor and preached his first sermon one-month later.
A year later in September 1888 the first church building was completed at a cost of $31,000. In 1898, the Rev. Samuel Sterling Palmer was called as the second pastor. When called, there were 592 members; by 1907 there were 1,400.
Two Decades of Stability: 1907-1927
The Brotherhood Bible Class was in full swing with Foster Copeland teaching. In 1920, Dr. Palmer was elected moderator of the General Assembly. The church sign (now in Memorial Lobby) indicated worship in the morning and evening, Christian Endeavor, Prayer meetings and Ladies Society and free seats. The days of pew rent were now over! During World War I the women of the church rallied to the cause and held regular meetings at which they folded swabs and rolled bandages. In 1922 a marble Memorial Lobby and hall were added as well as an enlarged basement. Broad Street was also highly involved in some important issues of the day, such as the temperance movement and "Saving the Sabbath."
Two Decades of Vision & Change: 1927 - 1947
Dr. J. Harry Cotton was called as pastor of the 1,500-member congregation in 1929. The Sunday evening worship went the way of the trolley car due to lack of attendance but other ministries grew in its place. In 1933, preparations for the 50th anniversary of Broad Street included a vision for a newly re-modeled sanctuary. The congregation, accustomed to facing north in worship, would now face the Resurrection window on the west and broadly-curving pews would give way to the straight line of cruciform church architecture. A new organ was added. The total cost of the anniversary project was $150,000.
The Broadstreet Choir was now in its infancy under the direction of Herbert Huffman and the accompaniment of Mary Huffman. In 1940, Dr. H. Ganse Little was nominated as the fourth pastor of Broad Street. Dr. Little was to serve through the momentous days of World War II, détente following the war, and the Korean Conflict. The original Columbus Boy Choir, with 52 pupils, was at full strength; Christmas pageants were memorable; a camping program at Tar Hollow was initiated; attention was given to neighborhood children needing playground facilities.
Two Decades of Growth & Faith: 1947 - 1967
In 1951 the first women elders were elected at Broad Street. In 1953 Dr. Raymond Kearns Jr. was called as Pastor. Associates in ministry during the coming decade were Rev. Paul Spierling, William Bingaman and Edgar Perkins. Another new staff member arrived in 1952. Elizabeth Lange was selected as organist, a position she was to hold for 35 years.
Christian education and youth ministry were strong components of Broad Street's life. The emphasis on education, supported by a new curriculum, indicated the need for additional space and in 1961 the new educational wing was dedicated, the first major building program in 25 years. In 1962-1963 the church received the gift of 162 acres of land from Ezra Anstaett and his family, and the Broad Acres camp was initiated and developed with additional gifts and fund. In 1966 Dr. Alvin Duane Smith was called as Pastor.
Two Decades of Outreach: 1967 - 1987
Dr. Smith's pastorate of seven years, assisted by Rev. Ed Sensenbrenner and Rev. Leland Issleib, were years of church and societal change. Following the race riots of 1967 the concept of "Neighborhood Ministries" was initiated. The basketball program, under the leadership of Rudd Lewis, remained strong and vital as the church searched for new ways to serve the community. During this time the Food Pantry and Clothing Center were opened.
In 1974, the Rev. John Buchanan was called as the seventh Pastor in 1974. One year later Dr. Spierling retired following 20 years of devoted service as Associate Pastor. In 1975 Dr. Arthur Romig served as Assistant Pastor and Joel Mathias was selected to become Director of Music.
Gerry Gregg served as Associate Pastor from 1977 to 1993 and the Social Witness and Outreach program flourished with his leadership. In 1980, called as Associate Pastor jointly with the Rev. Ashley Beavers, the Rev. Barbara Dua became Broad Street's first woman clergy. The early 80's saw the addition of the Narthex, the founding of COMPASS and the ministry of Margaret Watson, the resettlement of refugees, and remodeling of the organ.
In 1986, the congregation called Thomas York as the eighth pastor of Broad Street. With Judy Pidcock as Associate Pastor and James Hildreth as organist, worship, music, education and outreach continue strong. And God's story continues...
Affirming Our Heritage and Stepping into the Future: 1987 - 2010
In 1987, Broad Street celebrated its Centennial with a three-week celebration. Worship on September 20, 1987 was led by Alvin Smith and John Buchanan. Other former clergy participating were Ashley Beavers, Barbara Dua, Charles Hindman, Leland Issleib, Edgar Perkins, Arthur Romig, Edward Sensenbrenner, and Paul Spierling. On September 27, the children of the church buried a time capsule in the south wall of Memorial Lobby.
A strong emphasis on social outreach continued during these next 10 years. A Homeless and Refugee Resettlement Committee welcomed refugee families and built Habitat for Humanity houses. Over 100 Deacon Christmas baskets were assembled and distributed each December. In 1992 the Broad Street Infant & Toddler Center opened. Part of its mission is to maintain one-third of its 36 enrollment spaces for low-income families, and COMPASS celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The congregation voted to gift 300 acres of Broad Acres land to Buckhorn children's Center in 1989. Thus began a partnership to provide care for at risk children. In 1991, the Broad Street Garden was dedicated. It provides a place of beauty where church and community can meet.
Strong musical leadership continued as the Broad Street Choir celebrated its 60th year. Throughout 1994 they performed music which had been previously performed over their long history. In 2006, Joel Mathias celebrated 30 years as Director of Music.
In 1995 the congregation called the Reverend Ann Palmerton as Associate Pastor. Her responsibilities include care of members and social outreach ministries
In 1999 the congregation called the Reverend Judy Hoffhine, as Associate Pastor in 1999. In 1998 the congregation called its ninth Pastor, the Reverend Dr. David Van Dyke. In the ten years of his leadership, Broad Street completed a comprehensive renovation project that restored and improved just about every corner of the building. The stained glass windows were restored. The neighborhood ministry programs moved to new, remodeled space in the east wing. The “new” Palmer Hall was created in what was formerly nursery and childcare rooms. The second floor gym was transformed into new education space while the old office space around the choir room was removed to ‘open’ up the choir practice area. During this same time, the session and church wrestled with what it means to be an inclusive church and produced the Statement of Inclusion that guides our life together to this day.
In 2006, Jessica Commeret was called as Associate Pastor. In 2007 David Van Dyke announced his plans to accept a call to the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2008, Amy Miracle was called to serve as Pastor, the first woman to fill that position at Broad Street.
Present
Broad Street Presbyterian Church remains a strong presence at the corner of Broad and Garfield. We give thanks to God for all that has been and look forward to all that will be.
The Beginnings: 1887 - 1907
Some called it Marsten's Folly -"Marsten's" after The Rev. Frances Marsten (organizing pastor) and "Folly" because the location at 760 E. Broad Street seemed too far removed from the downtown to prosper. Such was the beginning of Broad Street Presbyterian Church. Presbyterians had been in Ohio for almost a century and the Rev. James Hoge had established the First Presbyterian Church of Franklinton (later Columbus) 81 years earlier.
Dr. Marsten, then Pastor of First Church, saw the residential growth on the near east side of Columbus. On September 19, 1887, 94 individuals responded to a call to meet at the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church to discuss forming a permanent congregation. Rev. Marsten was chosen as first pastor and preached his first sermon one-month later.
A year later in September 1888 the first church building was completed at a cost of $31,000. In 1898, the Rev. Samuel Sterling Palmer was called as the second pastor. When called, there were 592 members; by 1907 there were 1,400.
Two Decades of Stability: 1907-1927
The Brotherhood Bible Class was in full swing with Foster Copeland teaching. In 1920, Dr. Palmer was elected moderator of the General Assembly. The church sign (now in Memorial Lobby) indicated worship in the morning and evening, Christian Endeavor, Prayer meetings and Ladies Society and free seats. The days of pew rent were now over! During World War I the women of the church rallied to the cause and held regular meetings at which they folded swabs and rolled bandages. In 1922 a marble Memorial Lobby and hall were added as well as an enlarged basement. Broad Street was also highly involved in some important issues of the day, such as the temperance movement and "Saving the Sabbath."
Two Decades of Vision & Change: 1927 - 1947
Dr. J. Harry Cotton was called as pastor of the 1,500-member congregation in 1929. The Sunday evening worship went the way of the trolley car due to lack of attendance but other ministries grew in its place. In 1933, preparations for the 50th anniversary of Broad Street included a vision for a newly re-modeled sanctuary. The congregation, accustomed to facing north in worship, would now face the Resurrection window on the west and broadly-curving pews would give way to the straight line of cruciform church architecture. A new organ was added. The total cost of the anniversary project was $150,000.
The Broadstreet Choir was now in its infancy under the direction of Herbert Huffman and the accompaniment of Mary Huffman. In 1940, Dr. H. Ganse Little was nominated as the fourth pastor of Broad Street. Dr. Little was to serve through the momentous days of World War II, détente following the war, and the Korean Conflict. The original Columbus Boy Choir, with 52 pupils, was at full strength; Christmas pageants were memorable; a camping program at Tar Hollow was initiated; attention was given to neighborhood children needing playground facilities.
Two Decades of Growth & Faith: 1947 - 1967
In 1951 the first women elders were elected at Broad Street. In 1953 Dr. Raymond Kearns Jr. was called as Pastor. Associates in ministry during the coming decade were Rev. Paul Spierling, William Bingaman and Edgar Perkins. Another new staff member arrived in 1952. Elizabeth Lange was selected as organist, a position she was to hold for 35 years.
Christian education and youth ministry were strong components of Broad Street's life. The emphasis on education, supported by a new curriculum, indicated the need for additional space and in 1961 the new educational wing was dedicated, the first major building program in 25 years. In 1962-1963 the church received the gift of 162 acres of land from Ezra Anstaett and his family, and the Broad Acres camp was initiated and developed with additional gifts and fund. In 1966 Dr. Alvin Duane Smith was called as Pastor.
Two Decades of Outreach: 1967 - 1987
Dr. Smith's pastorate of seven years, assisted by Rev. Ed Sensenbrenner and Rev. Leland Issleib, were years of church and societal change. Following the race riots of 1967 the concept of "Neighborhood Ministries" was initiated. The basketball program, under the leadership of Rudd Lewis, remained strong and vital as the church searched for new ways to serve the community. During this time the Food Pantry and Clothing Center were opened.
In 1974, the Rev. John Buchanan was called as the seventh Pastor in 1974. One year later Dr. Spierling retired following 20 years of devoted service as Associate Pastor. In 1975 Dr. Arthur Romig served as Assistant Pastor and Joel Mathias was selected to become Director of Music.
Gerry Gregg served as Associate Pastor from 1977 to 1993 and the Social Witness and Outreach program flourished with his leadership. In 1980, called as Associate Pastor jointly with the Rev. Ashley Beavers, the Rev. Barbara Dua became Broad Street's first woman clergy. The early 80's saw the addition of the Narthex, the founding of COMPASS and the ministry of Margaret Watson, the resettlement of refugees, and remodeling of the organ.
In 1986, the congregation called Thomas York as the eighth pastor of Broad Street. With Judy Pidcock as Associate Pastor and James Hildreth as organist, worship, music, education and outreach continue strong. And God's story continues...
Affirming Our Heritage and Stepping into the Future: 1987 - 2010
In 1987, Broad Street celebrated its Centennial with a three-week celebration. Worship on September 20, 1987 was led by Alvin Smith and John Buchanan. Other former clergy participating were Ashley Beavers, Barbara Dua, Charles Hindman, Leland Issleib, Edgar Perkins, Arthur Romig, Edward Sensenbrenner, and Paul Spierling. On September 27, the children of the church buried a time capsule in the south wall of Memorial Lobby.
A strong emphasis on social outreach continued during these next 10 years. A Homeless and Refugee Resettlement Committee welcomed refugee families and built Habitat for Humanity houses. Over 100 Deacon Christmas baskets were assembled and distributed each December. In 1992 the Broad Street Infant & Toddler Center opened. Part of its mission is to maintain one-third of its 36 enrollment spaces for low-income families, and COMPASS celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The congregation voted to gift 300 acres of Broad Acres land to Buckhorn children's Center in 1989. Thus began a partnership to provide care for at risk children. In 1991, the Broad Street Garden was dedicated. It provides a place of beauty where church and community can meet.
Strong musical leadership continued as the Broad Street Choir celebrated its 60th year. Throughout 1994 they performed music which had been previously performed over their long history. In 2006, Joel Mathias celebrated 30 years as Director of Music.
In 1995 the congregation called the Reverend Ann Palmerton as Associate Pastor. Her responsibilities include care of members and social outreach ministries
In 1999 the congregation called the Reverend Judy Hoffhine, as Associate Pastor in 1999. In 1998 the congregation called its ninth Pastor, the Reverend Dr. David Van Dyke. In the ten years of his leadership, Broad Street completed a comprehensive renovation project that restored and improved just about every corner of the building. The stained glass windows were restored. The neighborhood ministry programs moved to new, remodeled space in the east wing. The “new” Palmer Hall was created in what was formerly nursery and childcare rooms. The second floor gym was transformed into new education space while the old office space around the choir room was removed to ‘open’ up the choir practice area. During this same time, the session and church wrestled with what it means to be an inclusive church and produced the Statement of Inclusion that guides our life together to this day.
In 2006, Jessica Commeret was called as Associate Pastor. In 2007 David Van Dyke announced his plans to accept a call to the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2008, Amy Miracle was called to serve as Pastor, the first woman to fill that position at Broad Street.
Present
Broad Street Presbyterian Church remains a strong presence at the corner of Broad and Garfield. We give thanks to God for all that has been and look forward to all that will be.