OUR HISTORY


The vision for Beulah Church was born as a result of a six-week "protracted meeting" conducted by Andrew Good and Daniel Brenneman (pictured at left), southwest of Jimtown. People all over the Elkhart area came to know Christ at these meetings. These new believers needed a church. An attempt to begin a work in Jimtown met without success. The vision did not die. The band of people with a dream would soon see God's great faithfulness.


In 1894 Della Huffman and Sarah Fink held a tent meeting on the corner of Indiana and 6th streets. People responded and the vision produced a house church. The work grew and moved after a short time to a store front on 8th street. In 1895 the group agreed to build its first building. This work was under the direction of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. Later that year a small white frame building sat on the corner of 9th and Blaine.  This was back in the days of the railroad boom in Elkhart, Indiana.  (Photo: the old Lake Shore Depot in Elkhart, Indiana).

On June 16, 1895, the new church was dedicated. It was named "Beulah Church." David Hygema was the first pastor and C.K. Curtis the first elder. Beulah Church began with five charter members.


Growth in the early years was slow, however steady progress was made. By 1914 the church had outgrown its facility. A new church was built at the same location. It was dedicated October 31, 1915. That building, with several additions and modifications would serve Beulah Church for the next 65 years. This young church looked to God as their refuge and strength.


The ministry grew and prospered. In 1925 Beulah Church daughter a new work that came to be known as Zion Church (pictured at right, modern day). Beulah Church had continued growth and building expansions in 1927 and 1948. In 1947 Beulah became part of a new movement of churches called "the United Missionary Church." Gordon Bacon pastored Beulah through a decade-plus of growth and expansion from 1952-1963. Worship services were broadcast over radio every Sunday. People were praying for great revival in and great growth of the Church. By 1962 Beulah planted a second work, named Bethany Church. The church continued to prosper over the next 20 years under the guidance of four different pastors. However, times were changing. Beulah faced a significant challenge, a transitioning neighborhood, the birth of the suburbs, and increased mobility.

By the late 70's a decision to relocate was made. An intense search led to the purchase of 35 acres at the corner of County Roads 17 and 18 (pictured above). In March, 1980, Beulah Church dedicated and occupied a new building what is now our present Children's Gym. In 1991, our Worship Center was dedicated. One promise serves as the foundation for Beulah: "God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond anything we can ask or imagine."  


Beulah Missionary Church is part of the North Central District of the Missionary Church denomination. For more information on the sacredly held beliefs of the Missionary Church, click here.