Back 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.
In recent years, as the church celebrated its 100th anniversary, the church made significant decisions to refocus its efforts on serving the thousands of students and young adults who live throughout the north campus community. These efforts led to the purchase of a campus ministry house, the launch of the church’s own campus ministry in partnership with a national organization, and the creation of its own full service coffee shop.
Now the church is more committed than ever in being a multi-generational serving the thousands of students and young adults who live on campus and in the north campus community. That makes us unique among the churches in the University District. We are committed to being a multi-generational church with a passion for serving the people who live throughout our neighborhood. A passion that began over 100 years ago and we hope continues for another century and beyond!