How it all started...
The church in Mount Vernon began with Bill and Margaret Harding, who being transformed by salvation, developed a deep love for God. After coming to Christ, Bill felt a strong calling to share the gospel. Although he initially believed this call would lead him to the foreign mission field, God revealed that his first mission field was his workplace—a factory. The family began praying earnestly for the people there, and many workers and their families were converted.
Their home naturally grew into a mission hub, often filled with people seeking spiritual guidance. Ministry also extended to local college students, resulting in additional conversions. For about ten years, their small home on Melick Street functioned as a center of evangelism and discipleship.
Eventually, the congregation prayed for a church building, and in 1986 purchased their first location on Columbus Road. Richard Kelley became their pastor for about a year. After he stepped down, Bill Harding resumed leadership and served faithfully for many years. The congregation continued to grow and God led them to build a new facility on Henry Road.
The congregation began supporting missions and became primary providers for churches in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines. Pastor Harding passed away on October 12, 2008, and his son, Jason Harding, became the new pastor that same year. Jason and his wife Kelly, working alongside the congregation, are continuing these labors of love and service for the work of God.
Their home naturally grew into a mission hub, often filled with people seeking spiritual guidance. Ministry also extended to local college students, resulting in additional conversions. For about ten years, their small home on Melick Street functioned as a center of evangelism and discipleship.
Eventually, the congregation prayed for a church building, and in 1986 purchased their first location on Columbus Road. Richard Kelley became their pastor for about a year. After he stepped down, Bill Harding resumed leadership and served faithfully for many years. The congregation continued to grow and God led them to build a new facility on Henry Road.
The congregation began supporting missions and became primary providers for churches in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines. Pastor Harding passed away on October 12, 2008, and his son, Jason Harding, became the new pastor that same year. Jason and his wife Kelly, working alongside the congregation, are continuing these labors of love and service for the work of God.
Expanding the vision...
Throughout the journey, the congregation has continued to maintain the same passion to reach souls for Christ, give God all the glory, and build upon the foundation of the gospel. The church has expanded its outreach into various areas, such as Prayer Teams (praying 5 days a week for specific topics and peoples), hosting marriage events (Marriage Breakfasts and Marriage Retreats), Sisters’ Ministries, Young Adults Ministries (Singing/Teaching), choir programs, and church conferences to encourage other likeminded congregations.
Where we are headed...
The Church of God in Mount Vernon, Ohio, has continued to support and help other churches through the years. The congregation has assisted in expanding churches in foreign fields and is working to start new churches in various places.
Come and join us on our journey!
Come and join us on our journey!
