Hiawathahistory.htm

The Hiawatha Church of God in Christ Started from a humble beginning in 1959. A group of members from the Jefferson Community C.O.G.I.C. decided to start a church in Ashtabula Ohio. Bishop E.U. Miller, then presiding over the Ohio North Jurisdiction appointed Elder Robert L. Chapmen to Pastor the new church that was located in a storefront on West 32nd street.

After approximately six months of worship at that location under the leadership of Pastor Chapman, the new congregation was blessed to purchase a church building at 3417 Hiawatha Avenue as well as the property adjacent to it. Today this property is known as the Hiawatha Church of God in Christ.

In 1976, Pastor Chapman, then Jurisdictional Bishop, appointed Elder David Howard Jr. to become the spiritual leader and shepherd of the Hiawatha congregation. Being led by the spirit of God, Elder Howard sought to improve the building which housed the church, as well as the surrounding areas

A vacant lot adjacent to the church was purchased in 2000. A vacant house adjacent to that property was also purchased. In 2001, Elder Howard, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit led the congregation in to the prayerful and financial responsibility of beginning the building of a new church. In 2002, by the grace of God, the new sanctuary was complete, and on February 10th, the congregation, led by Elder Howard marched into its new and current location, yet known as 3417 Hiawatha Avenue.

In 2003, yet with a passion for perfection, the congregation decided to raise te vacant house to further expand the land adjacent to the church for the purpose of laying ground for a parking lot. The original sanctuary is now being utilized for Junior Sunday School classrooms and as a Fellowship Hall.