Meadow Park History (Long)
In 1965, thirteen families out of the West Fourth Avenue Church of God in Columbus, OH were commissioned to plant a new congregation in Northwest Columbus, Meadow Park Church of God.
Meadow Park was originally called "Kendale" Church of God, when we began meeting in Marburn Elementary School off Olentangy River Road. We changed the name of the church to Meadow Park Church of God before the new church building was completed in 1970. Originally, the members chose a site located off Old Henderson Rd, and later decided to locate to the large 'field' of property on the then two-lane Bethel Rd. In those days, there were horses running up and down Bethel Rd. There were no fast food restaurants and only a few stores then; mostly farm and 'country' homes were along the road.
The early years of transition from the life-long family church at West Fourth Avenue Church of God were very challenging. It was a hard decision for some, whether to go with the new church or stay and keep the current one going. It took a lot of prayer and discernment for each family to decide what God wanted them to do. Both churches needed strong, dedicated leadership and financial stability. The families that stayed to keep West Fourth Avenue going were just as dedicated and valuable as all of those that left.
In these transitional days, we held many home prayer meetings and Bible studies. We all still remember the spirit-filled closeness and fun we had. There were wonderful neighborhood evangelistic efforts, and we took brochures door to door to announce our "new" church and to invite people to worship with us.
Rev. Don Johnson served as the interim minister before Rev. Oral Withrow moved his family to Columbus, Ohio in 1966 to become the first full-time Senior Pastor of Meadow Park Church of God. He served as Senior Pastor from 1966-1975. He and his wife, Laura, graciously opened their home for youth 'pizza parties' and counseling. Oral had a quick wit, the most contagious smile, and a memory for names that made new and potential members feel very special and appreciated. He often shared his personal history and practical daily challenges of his Christian journey to which we could all relate. He was responsible for leading many into a personal and joyful relationship with Christ and nurturing all of us in that journey through his dynamic and inspiring messages and personal pastoral care.
There was no ministry or administrative staff in the early years. It was only the dedication and sacrifice of early members that filled leadership and administrative roles and supported the church financially. We all felt an extraordinary kinship. There was something very special about this founding group. Collectively, we felt we were fulfilling a great mission to spread the Good News of God's love in the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ in a part of Columbus that was newly developing and needed our church to spread that message.
Betty Jo Hutchison was instrumental in the founding of the Meadow Park Children’s Center in 1970. She was the first staff member added to the ministry staff and in 1972; she began serving as director of Christian Education.
In the early years, Betty Jo shared many wonderful lessons in that classroom at Marburn Elementary. They were very spiritual and we studied the Bible in exciting and practical ways. We talked about current challenges of the day (it was the 60's!) and how we as Christian teenagers could relate to the world around us and sort out the differences between our Christian beliefs and lifestyle and other views of the day. We enjoyed 'field trips' to a Catholic Mass and a Jewish Synagogue after which we had discussions to reaffirm our own belief and the origins of their beliefs. It was very innovative and to this day, I understand, yet do not conform to, or accept those other faiths. Betty Jo taught us to treasure our own faith heritage. We had many fun gatherings in the Hutchison home for games and refreshments. We also traveled to attend Ohio Youth Rallies with other Church of God youth. Occasionally, we even had a young Sandi Patti as part of the music ministry at those rallies.
Although all of us miss the personal closeness of those early days, it is so fulfilling to see the enormous growth and maturity of this church today and all of the wonderful missions, local and global, in God's name. This was the vision and hope of all of us, 'founding members'
