In the wintry months of 1913, a group of church goers decided to exploring the possibility of planting a new church in the northern-most areas of Columbus, in the new neighborhoods just beyond the campus of the Ohio State University. The often hour-long commute by trolley car to and from church each Sunday was often difficult in harsh weather.
By the summer, a small group began worshiping together, and in December the Indianola Church of Christ was legally incorporated.
The church grew rapidly over the next decade and in 1923 built a new sanctuary on the corner of Norwich and Indianola. The church had a family feel that matched the community of professors and other university personnel who chose to live close to the campus, but far enough away to be able to relax and enjoy family life in their new homes along tree-lined streets.
The close of World War II that brought a dramatic change to the campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. The newly established GI Bill enabled thousands of returning enlisted men and women to attend college and obtain college degrees. Ohio State capitalized on this opportunity and rapidly became a much larger university that was no longer able to provide enough housing for its students.
In the decades that followed the north campus community began a transformation from a neighborhood of young families to what is now largely students and post grads. A dramatic shift that had a significant impact on the church and its ministries.
Through the years, Indianola tried to develop a vibrant college ministry and by the sixties had hired its first full time campus pastor—and later launched its own independent campus ministry organization. More recently we created our own campus ministry in partnership with a national organization and launched a full service coffee shop.
One challenge that a century old churches face is the need to refresh themselves with a renewed sense of mission and purpose. After much reflection and soul searching, we have redefined our vision to become a love-first church—a church that is deeply committed to sharing the love of God with our neighbors and with each other. Our hope and prayer is that we will love all people, no matter who they are, where they might come from, or how far they might feel they are from God. We will love them, share God’s love with them, and together commit to following in the footsteps of Jesus.