History of Southport Church of the Nazarene
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Southport Church of the Nazarene was born out of a revival effort on the southside of Indianapolis led by District Superintendent Jesse Towns. In January 1943, the Edgewood Church of the Nazarene was organized with 18 charter members. Housed in a little white church at 1541 East Epler Avenue, purchased from the Lutheran denomination, the church began to preach the gospel. The early years saw many preachers come and go while the fledgling congregation built its foundation. In 1955, under the leadership of Rev. Luther Williams and experiencing growth, a new church and parsonage were purchased. Formerly housing a Presbyterian congregation, the church was located at the corner of Southport Rd (then Union St.) and Church St.
Though not far from the original property on Epler Ave, the church was now situated in a different community. The name was changed to Southport Church of the Nazarene. How appropriate that “Southport Church” once sat at the corner of “Southport” road and “Church” street! In a larger building and now located on a main thoroughfare, the church began to grow again. Two years later, in 1957, Rev. J.D. and Margaret Stafford were called to pastor the Southport congregation. They would shepherd the flock for 27 years. Many changes and advancements would ensue in their tenure as pastor. Rev. J.D. and his wife “Boog”, as he fondly referred to her, built a strong and healthy church. In the early years of their vivacious ministry, the church saw new faces and families. In their first year of ministry, the church was completely remodeled and air-conditioning was installed. The second year, as growth exploded, a Sunday School annex was built on the property. God was pouring out His Spirit and blessing the ministry efforts of Southport Church. One thing was plain; they were going to need more space! |
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God was pouring out His Spirit and blessing the ministry efforts of Southport Church. One thing was plain; they were going to need more space!
In 1961, Looking forward in faith, Rev. Stafford proposed the purchase of a five-acre piece of property, one mile west. With enthusiasm the church banded together to follow where the Lord was leading. The current property, 920 East Southport Road, was purchased! The parsonage was built first, fashioned into the hill to provide a walk-out basement which would house the church fellowship hall. The church building was built second and in 1965, in a service chaired by General Superintendent Dr. V.H. Lewis, the new church was dedicated to the glory of God!
Not 13 years later, on Wednesday, January 18, 1978, during one of the most intense snowstorms on record, the church burned and fell into the basement. The fire was instigated by an electric exhaust fan in the men’s restroom. It was a complete loss estimated at $400,000. The parsonage was unaffected by the fire. Rev. Stafford and Dr. John Hay, District Superintendent, though disheartened, were unshaken by the events. Insurance would provide $300,000 and, almost immediately, they made the decision to rebuild! Services continued that very evening in the basement of the parsonage. Some Sunday services were held at Keystone Middle School (now Southport Middle School) until the decision was made to host all services in the basement of the parsonage. As construction quickly ensued, a sign was placed in the front yard of the church “REBUILDING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!”
Nine months later, in October of 1978, the new church was finished. It was built almost identically to what had existed before. A service of dedication was held on Sunday, January 22, 1979, chaired again by Dr. V.H. Lewis, General Superintendent. The Stafford years were marked with what some might refer to as ‘red hot revivals’. Some years saw 10 revival meetings. One particular meeting ran six weeks because, it seemed, God’s work was not finished. As various evangelists completed what their schedule would allow, other evangelists and singers would be commissioned to come and carry on God’s work. Under Rev. Stafford’s leadership more than two dozen preachers were called to the ministry. At his funeral in 1993, 29 of those men filled 3 pews of Southport Church.
Not 13 years later, on Wednesday, January 18, 1978, during one of the most intense snowstorms on record, the church burned and fell into the basement. The fire was instigated by an electric exhaust fan in the men’s restroom. It was a complete loss estimated at $400,000. The parsonage was unaffected by the fire. Rev. Stafford and Dr. John Hay, District Superintendent, though disheartened, were unshaken by the events. Insurance would provide $300,000 and, almost immediately, they made the decision to rebuild! Services continued that very evening in the basement of the parsonage. Some Sunday services were held at Keystone Middle School (now Southport Middle School) until the decision was made to host all services in the basement of the parsonage. As construction quickly ensued, a sign was placed in the front yard of the church “REBUILDING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!”
Nine months later, in October of 1978, the new church was finished. It was built almost identically to what had existed before. A service of dedication was held on Sunday, January 22, 1979, chaired again by Dr. V.H. Lewis, General Superintendent. The Stafford years were marked with what some might refer to as ‘red hot revivals’. Some years saw 10 revival meetings. One particular meeting ran six weeks because, it seemed, God’s work was not finished. As various evangelists completed what their schedule would allow, other evangelists and singers would be commissioned to come and carry on God’s work. Under Rev. Stafford’s leadership more than two dozen preachers were called to the ministry. At his funeral in 1993, 29 of those men filled 3 pews of Southport Church.
“REBUILDING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!”
In the fall of 1982 the church honored Pastor and Mrs. Stafford for 25 years of dedication and leadership to the congregation, presenting them with a ‘Distinguished Service Award’. A two-day celebration commemorated the moment with music ministry from the God’s Bible School Choir and Orchestra. Just a few months before Rev. Stafford’s retirement, a mortgage-burning ceremony was held on Easter Sunday morning, April 22, 1984. With a sense of completion, and gratefulness for the Lord’s faithfulness they closed a great chapter in the life of Southport Church. Through the sacrifice, effort and faith of the ones who had forged the trail before them, the congregation was now wonderfully situated in a beautiful building, operating debt free.
The decades that followed saw regular ebb and flow of ministry. Rev. Gene Bennett and Rev. John Kinsey successfully led the church in their respective tenures. In 2001 a young pastor, Rev. Steve Parker, came from the state of Virginia, to pastor the Southport congregation. His vision and passion for the growth of the church led to many advancements in the next few years. Rev. Parker saw the need for a gathering space for church dinners and fellowship. The reality was the fellowship hall in the parsonage basement was being outgrown. To prove the need was real, Pastor Parker led the charge in building a pavilion on the lower part of the property. They began to hold ice cream socials and picnics in the space. As the popularity and attendance at such functions grew, it became apparent that a large fellowship hall would be used, if built.
The decades that followed saw regular ebb and flow of ministry. Rev. Gene Bennett and Rev. John Kinsey successfully led the church in their respective tenures. In 2001 a young pastor, Rev. Steve Parker, came from the state of Virginia, to pastor the Southport congregation. His vision and passion for the growth of the church led to many advancements in the next few years. Rev. Parker saw the need for a gathering space for church dinners and fellowship. The reality was the fellowship hall in the parsonage basement was being outgrown. To prove the need was real, Pastor Parker led the charge in building a pavilion on the lower part of the property. They began to hold ice cream socials and picnics in the space. As the popularity and attendance at such functions grew, it became apparent that a large fellowship hall would be used, if built.
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Church attendance had grown close to 200, and, in 2002, plans were produced, proposed, and successfully voted on for a large addition to be added to the church building. This new space would house a foyer, offices, several large classrooms, an industrial kitchen, and a Family Life Center measuring several thousand square feet. A second set of restrooms were included as well and a lift to accommodate those with mobility needs. This project would also expand the sanctuary as space in the original building previously used for classrooms was alleviated. Graber Post Buildings of Montgomery, IN was contracted to complete the $525,000 project. Obtaining permits to build was no small feat! Being situated in a flood plain, special care was needed in the application process. In God’s gracious mercy, the City of Indianapolis granted the permit! It was an exciting day when the new building was ready to occupy! The church continued to see an influx of new, and perhaps curious, people. Expansion also included the purchase of an adjacent piece of property on the west side where a retiring dentist operated his practice in a small house. The purchased property would provide additional parking for the growing congregation.
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In God’s gracious mercy, the City of Indianapolis granted the permit! It was an exciting day when the new building was ready to occupy! |
Almost immediately after the new space was occupied, services were moved to the new Family Life Center. For nine months, Rev. Parker, with the help of Associate Pastor Rev. Ken Hembree, remodeled the 1978 sanctuary. The platform was renovated. A balcony was fashioned out of the existing second level space. The traditional Nazarene, knotty-pine, ceiling was drywalled and painted white. The carpet and pews were replaced. The result was a beautiful sanctuary. Nine months and $90,000 later, the new sanctuary was ready to house its congregation again. Much of the sanctuary remains unchanged since
the 2003 remodel.
The seven years of Pastor Parker’s ministry saw a large building addition, an overhaul on the physical building, the acquisition of additional property, expanded parking lots. It was also marked with gospel-centered, passionate preaching that brought people to Jesus. Baptism services became a regular occurrence, and the reports of people being saved were numerous. It seemed the spirit of Revival had, once again, returned to Southport. Attendance reached a peak in 2005 with an average of 254 in Sunday morning worship that year. People came, curious to see the church who had recently
added on and remodeled. But when they came they were greeted by more than beautiful white columns and maroon carpet. They were welcomed by the Holy Spirit and introduced to Jesus!
Having completed what He felt the Lord had led him to accomplish, Rev. Parker moved on two years later to plant a Nazarene church in Virginia. That church would also grow, and plant additional churches for the glory of God!
Sadly, the church would suffer a slight decline in the years to follow. Attendance dipped and a lack of consistent leadership led to a period of instability. With a short pastorate and multiple interim ministers, the church board did their best to maintain the debt and move forward.
the 2003 remodel.
The seven years of Pastor Parker’s ministry saw a large building addition, an overhaul on the physical building, the acquisition of additional property, expanded parking lots. It was also marked with gospel-centered, passionate preaching that brought people to Jesus. Baptism services became a regular occurrence, and the reports of people being saved were numerous. It seemed the spirit of Revival had, once again, returned to Southport. Attendance reached a peak in 2005 with an average of 254 in Sunday morning worship that year. People came, curious to see the church who had recently
added on and remodeled. But when they came they were greeted by more than beautiful white columns and maroon carpet. They were welcomed by the Holy Spirit and introduced to Jesus!
Having completed what He felt the Lord had led him to accomplish, Rev. Parker moved on two years later to plant a Nazarene church in Virginia. That church would also grow, and plant additional churches for the glory of God!
Sadly, the church would suffer a slight decline in the years to follow. Attendance dipped and a lack of consistent leadership led to a period of instability. With a short pastorate and multiple interim ministers, the church board did their best to maintain the debt and move forward.
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A new decade would bring new leadership to the church when, on January 1, 2010, Rev. William and Kay Swesey arrived. Having just completed 10 years in Nazarene Missions as the president of Nazarene Bible College in Papua New Guinea, Rev. Swesey was well-equipped to breathe new life into the congregation. Their ministry at Southport, measuring more than 14 years, is 2nd in length, outshone only by the Staffords. Quickly, Rev. Mark Spangler was hired as associate pastor as the state of the church improved. The outlook began to climb and again, new people began to come through the church doors! A ‘new believers’ class was taught by Sis. Swesey. She also began a successful Children’s Church ministry that would present elaborate programs
at Easter and Christmas. Rev. Swesey, being a former missionary, placed great emphasis on missions and raised wonderful offerings, especially for Alabaster. The peak was $33,000 raised in the year 2021. |
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Under Rev. Swesey’s pastoral ministry, revivals began again at Southport. Some of the best evangelists in the Holiness Movement were brought in to preach including Dr. Wingrove Taylor and Dr. Chic Shaver. Revivals were scheduled every spring and fall and became highlights on the church calendar again.
It was also under Rev. Swesey’s leadership, in November of 2016, that the church eliminated the bank note for the building project. Once again, the church was operating debt free with greater latitude to minister with that weight removed. The following summer, Rev. Tim Lanigan was hired as associate pastor. He would serve the church in the areas of music, pastoral assistance and administration. With his help a choir was formed to sing and lead in worship every Sunday. The choir would reach a membership of 35 –a number so large, the Ficus trees had to be removed from the corners of the
platform to accommodate the choir. Also, under Rev. Lanigan’s leadership and with retired song evangelist Larry Richards at the piano, service music became an agent that drew new people to Southport.
It was also under Rev. Swesey’s leadership, in November of 2016, that the church eliminated the bank note for the building project. Once again, the church was operating debt free with greater latitude to minister with that weight removed. The following summer, Rev. Tim Lanigan was hired as associate pastor. He would serve the church in the areas of music, pastoral assistance and administration. With his help a choir was formed to sing and lead in worship every Sunday. The choir would reach a membership of 35 –a number so large, the Ficus trees had to be removed from the corners of the
platform to accommodate the choir. Also, under Rev. Lanigan’s leadership and with retired song evangelist Larry Richards at the piano, service music became an agent that drew new people to Southport.
Rev. Swesey maintained the helm through the pandemic that rocked the world in 2020. While varied opinions would demand specific directions be taken, with a steady hand and a poised disposition, he led the church successfully through and, unlike many congregations, landed the flock safely, and intact on the other side. His leadership saw the sensible addition of a professional camera system. This $20,000 investment would accommodate any within the church membership who wished to remain unexposed to germs and sickness to continue to worship and be a part of the church family through
livestreamed services; a ministry that is continued to this day with regular viewers in several states across the country. Naturally, church giving increased as our membership and viewership spread through the internet. An online giving platform made it feasible for those afar off to worship the Lord through the support of Southport Church.
The Sweseys successfully resurrected a congregation who, upon their arrival, was suffering. Their ministry was a healing balm for an aching, limping congregation, and their years of service brought increase and blessing to Southport Church.
In April of 2024, Rev. Tim Lanigan was elected as the next pastor. The first year saw 25 new members received into the church. Also, that year the congregation voted favorably to remodel the east wing of the original building that houses the restrooms. A stairwell was removed, enlarging the footprint of the foyer and allowing for the reconfiguring of larger, ADA-compliant restrooms. The front door was also moved to create a more
easily navigated entry path. Handicap door openers and inclined concrete would provide an easier experience and bring the building up to ADA code. The cost of the project was just shy of $250,000, and was paid for with funds raised by God’s people, without securing a loan. Praise the Lord!
The Lord continues to grow our church family bringing new people into our midst. We anticipate the Lord continuing to bless us as we seek the lost, preach the gospel, disciple believers and influence the world around us for Christ!
livestreamed services; a ministry that is continued to this day with regular viewers in several states across the country. Naturally, church giving increased as our membership and viewership spread through the internet. An online giving platform made it feasible for those afar off to worship the Lord through the support of Southport Church.
The Sweseys successfully resurrected a congregation who, upon their arrival, was suffering. Their ministry was a healing balm for an aching, limping congregation, and their years of service brought increase and blessing to Southport Church.
In April of 2024, Rev. Tim Lanigan was elected as the next pastor. The first year saw 25 new members received into the church. Also, that year the congregation voted favorably to remodel the east wing of the original building that houses the restrooms. A stairwell was removed, enlarging the footprint of the foyer and allowing for the reconfiguring of larger, ADA-compliant restrooms. The front door was also moved to create a more
easily navigated entry path. Handicap door openers and inclined concrete would provide an easier experience and bring the building up to ADA code. The cost of the project was just shy of $250,000, and was paid for with funds raised by God’s people, without securing a loan. Praise the Lord!
The Lord continues to grow our church family bringing new people into our midst. We anticipate the Lord continuing to bless us as we seek the lost, preach the gospel, disciple believers and influence the world around us for Christ!
Our Pastors
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Buford Blair 1943 - 1943
Luther Martin 1945 - 1946 Gerald Bright 1946 - 1947 Mark Hamilton 1947 - 1948 Earl Marvel 1948 - 1949 Oliver Morgan 1949 - 1951 Luther Williams 1951 - 1957 |
Rev. J.D. Stafford 1957 – 1984
Rev. Wm. Gene Bennett 1984 – 1995 Rev. John W. Kinsey 1996 – 2000 Rev. Stephen R. Parker 2001 – 2007 Rev. John Carr 2007 – 2008 Rev. William E. Swesey 2010 – 2024 Rev Timothy W. Lanigan 2024 – |