“I was born here,” said Purdum, 72, of Middletown whose parents were members of the church. “I’ve slept on the church pew and I’m sure I cut my teeth on the church hymnal.”
Stratford Heights Church of God will celebrate 95 years in Middletown during a 7 p.m. service today, Sept. 11. The anniversary services will continue Sunday with Mayor Larry Mulligan Jr. presenting the congregation with a proclamation at 10 a.m.
The Pentecostal church began in a home on Auburn Street in 1915 and later became known as the Lakeside Church of God in 1920 with 25 charter members.
Members built their first church structure at 2010 Clayton St. It was renamed Stratford Heights in 1992 and has expanded into a facility at 4419 Nelson Road, where it boasts more than 1,200 members.
Purdum credits the church’s growth to God and the congregation’s efforts to reach out to the community.
“We just have people who have a heart for people,” Purdum said. “It’s the people that make the church. We’re a family and people look out for each other.”
Pastor Ray Phillips began attending the church as a teenager about 30 years ago.
Phillips said after hearing about the church he drove from his home in Dayton to Middletown to attend services.
He became the pastor of Stratford Heights three and a half years ago and says he’s proud of the church’s commitment to Middletown throughout the years.
“The reason that we’ve stayed in Middletown is because the church has always been about community,” Phillips said.
He said members of the church formed Hope House Rescue Mission, 34 S. Main St., and the Community Pregnancy Center, 1131 Central Ave.
“We love our community. Our goal is to be a lighthouse on the hill.”
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