Our History

history

Maple Grove Church of God has been serving the Anderson community for many decades.

This church has a long history of strong Christian relationships, fellowship, and, most importantly, faithfulness to the mission of Christ.

Maple Grove began its ministry in 1938, when Rev. Henry Young began a Sunday School in a house at 16th and B Streets in Anderson. The church was called Beacon Light Tabernacle and was interdenominational. The church building was constructed by the community. In 1941, Rev. Albert Stevens became pastor on the condition that the church become affiliated with the Church of God Reformation Movement. The congregation agreed and the new name became Irondale Church of God.

Rev. Nathan Smith served as pastor beginning in 1948. When he went to Japan as a missionary, he was succeeded by Rev. Harry Hebenthal. Rev. Jeff Webb became pastor in 1954 and was followed by Rev. Wayne Thompson around 1959. In 1963, the church called Rev. Cliff Braschler to serve as pastor.

During the early to mid-1960’s, the State of Indiana chose to create an interstate highway that ran through Anderson — Interstate 69. The proposed route of I-69 went right through the Irondale area of Anderson. The proposed route required demolition of the Irondale Church of God, forcing the congregation to relocate. In 1966, the congregation purchased a house and 8 acres at 2729 East 38th Street and changed our name to Maple Grove Church of God. (The proposed route of I-69 was moved farther south of Anderson after the church moved to 38th Street and the former Irondale church still stands. It has changed denominations several times, but the building is still being used as a church.) Regular services began in the basement of the house on New Year’s Day 1967 and continued there until 1970 when the new sanctuary was built. The Fellowship Hall wing of the building was added about 1977.

Rev. Paul Hutchins was pastor from 1970 to 1980 between assignments for the Missionary Board in Bangladesh and Kenya. Rev. Marvin Baker came in 1980. Rev. Jeff Hency was pastor in 1990. Rev. Alan Overstreet began his ministry with us in 1993 and concluded in August 2002. Rev. Fred Shively was pastor in 2003 until his duties at Anderson University required him to leave. Daniel Kihm became our pastor in the fall of 2005. Daniel, his wife Christy and daughter Sofie left Maple Grove in May 2013 to focus full time on their calling to the mission field.

Rev. Steve DeLisle was called to be senior pastor and began his service November 3, 2013. He served as pastor through June 20, 2021 when he was called to lead another congregation. On September 4, 2022 Jordan Davis answered the call to become our next pastor and began his ministry with us.

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