The beginning of Heartland GBC

In the fall of 1999 Jim and Janet Botdorf, Jerry and Kathy Ruhl, and Don and Carol Holtrey began the process of planting a Grace Brethren church in Morrow County Ohio. Much work and answered prayer led to outreach Bible studies being held in October 1999. Seven men gathered to consider the foundations of faith while five ladies studied the New Testament book of Titus. Their goal was to develop a nucleus of believers committed to forming a new Grace Brethren church.

The first public worship service was held January 9, 2000 at the Whetstone River Family and Children’s Center in Mount Gilead, Ohio. Sixteen people were in attendance for the first service. In April of 2000 Darryl Vaughan was called to serve as Heartland Grace’s first pastor.

Cardington, Ohio became the church’s new home in September 2002 and Bob Belohlavek became the second pastor to serve at Heartland. The church was also greatly blessed by interim pastor Dean Risser who served between the ministries of the Vaughan’s and Belohlavek’s. Pastor Dean was called upon once again to serve as interim before Charles Barnhill became Heartland Grace’s third pastor.

March 2007 saw the beginning of our current pastor, John Shirley.

While Heartland Grace has been relocated numerous times, we are now very thankful for our permanent home in Edison, Ohio. God graciously provided a building that was formerly used as a bowling alley. Through the giving of time, abilities, and resources by God’s people, the former bowling alley has been converted to the home of Heartland Grace Brethren Church. We praise our Lord for all He has done in us and through us.