How it all started...
East Street Church began on March 21, 1887, when a group of believers gathered in Snedekers Hall on North Main Street in Winchester, Indiana. Led by Rev. John R. Cortner and Rev. Isaac Johnson, the new congregation elected its first leaders and welcomed 33 charter members into the fellowship.
Later that year, on September 17, 1887, the church joined the Eastern Indiana Conference, and in October moved into a rented meeting room in the Odd Fellows building on North Main Street.
As the church grew, the need for a permanent home became clear. On March 2, 1888, the congregation purchased Lot #7 on the Northeast Square in Winchester for $1,200. An existing house on the property served as a temporary meeting place until construction of the new sanctuary began.
On May 1, 1890, the cornerstone for the first church building was laid. The new 36-by-60-foot sanctuary seated 400 people and was first lit by wall lamps, later upgraded to gas lighting, and eventually electricity. The building was heated with gas and valued at $4,000 upon completion.
On November 23, 1890, the church was officially dedicated by Rev. Daniel A. Long, President of Union Christian College. By that time, the church had grown from its original 33 members to 140.
Later that year, on September 17, 1887, the church joined the Eastern Indiana Conference, and in October moved into a rented meeting room in the Odd Fellows building on North Main Street.
As the church grew, the need for a permanent home became clear. On March 2, 1888, the congregation purchased Lot #7 on the Northeast Square in Winchester for $1,200. An existing house on the property served as a temporary meeting place until construction of the new sanctuary began.
On May 1, 1890, the cornerstone for the first church building was laid. The new 36-by-60-foot sanctuary seated 400 people and was first lit by wall lamps, later upgraded to gas lighting, and eventually electricity. The building was heated with gas and valued at $4,000 upon completion.
On November 23, 1890, the church was officially dedicated by Rev. Daniel A. Long, President of Union Christian College. By that time, the church had grown from its original 33 members to 140.
Expanding the vision...
For nearly 140 years, our church has grown, adapted, and faithfully served Winchester and the surrounding communities. Today, we sense God inviting us to expand our vision again—widening our reach, deepening our discipleship, and preparing for the people He’s sending.
We’re exploring new ways to welcome families, equip believers, partner with our community, and create space for God to move. Our desire is simple: to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and make room for every person who needs the hope of the gospel.
We’re exploring new ways to welcome families, equip believers, partner with our community, and create space for God to move. Our desire is simple: to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and make room for every person who needs the hope of the gospel.
Where we are headed...
We are moving toward a future where discipleship is our culture, outreach is our heartbeat, and every person has a place to grow and serve. We believe God is preparing us for new opportunities to reach our community and expand our impact for His kingdom.
