By LORI HOESE
Bourbon United Pentecostal Church

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Bourbon United Pentecostal Church celebrated two anniversaries. For 90 years, the church, located at 201 N. Bourbon St., has been sharing the gospel with all that are willing to hear. Our current pastor, Mark Cottrill, along with his wife, Jane, also celebrated their 30th year of leading this congregation to new heights in God.

The church began in 1925 through gatherings and a tent revival as an outreach from saints in Mishawaka. Named Full Gospel Assembly of Bourbon, a group of believers continued the meetings and grew in number. The building and congregation has worshipped under a variety of names. But, in 1968, the name changed to the Bourbon United Pentecostal Church and is known as that today. The congregation has been led by Holy Ghost filled men as follows:

• Rev. Charles Taylor 1925 – 1927
• Rev. John Rayl 1926 – 1929
• Rev. Clifford Bryan 1929 – 1933
• Rev. Warren Wagner 1933 – 1938
• Rev. Ray Ooley 1938 – 1945
• Rev. Harry Shearer 1945 – 1975
• Rev. Edward Kozar 1975 – 1985
• Rev. Mark Cottrill 1985 – Present

The building has expanded as well. The first building, at the corner of Bourbon and North Streets, was erected in 1926. Extensions occurred in 1947 and 1976. The latest was in 2001 when a new 10,000 sq. ft. sanctuary, offices, and lobby were added. In 2005, the Kids Kingdom Daycare began its ministry as a service to our community and has been rated as one of the best in the state!

Along with Sunday worship services at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Mark Cottrill and other ministerial staff, the church has Sunday school classes, ranging from toddler to 12th grade. Evangelical services are beginning at 6 p.m. held every Sunday night and Bible Study beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. The church, with nearly 200 members, has a strong family focus through various ministries: ladies, men, singles, teens, Focus Families, and senior citizens. The congregation also supports missionaries around the globe. The church motto has proven true as we continue to grow: “There’s room in our family for yours.” For more information, visit www.bourbonupc.org.