Our History

In the early fifties, when poodle skirts were abundant, Ed Sullivan and Elvis Presley entertained the masses, and the average salary was less than $3,000, members of the 1st Pilgrim Holiness Church (now 1st Wesleyan Church) started a Tuesday night prayer meeting that would become the foundation of what would eventually be known as Garrison Hills Wesleyan Church. During its first 50 years, GHWC has seen 3 locations, 5 name changes, and 13 pastors and assistant pastors. Amid the changes of the world around it as well as the changes it has experienced within itself, the church has held steadily to its vision to reach the lost of Battle Creek.

The following is from "The History of Our Church," written for the church's 50th birthday celebration in 2002.


The History of Our Church

In the early part of the 1950’s, nine members of the 1st Pilgrim Holiness Church in Battle Creek , Michigan began meeting in an old schoolhouse at 8283 Cooper Road .  Every Tuesday night they would join in fellowship and prayer for the concerns of the church body.  In 1952 the Cooper Road schoolhouse, known as “ Joy School ,” became the location of an afternoon Sunday School class under the leadership of Rev. R. Hawkins.

The Franklin Street location

1st Pilgrim Holiness Church received a vision for a new church in 1953, and Rev. W. N. Miller directed the nine original prayer group members to take the responsibility to plant the new church. A location was chosen on Franklin Street , and the newly planted church was appropriately called 2nd Pilgrim Holiness Church

Rev. Leonard Pittman pastored the new church until July of 1955.  The average attendance for the church’s first 2 years was 47. After Rev. Pittman left, Rev. J. C. Brillhart took over in August of 1955.  The church was then known as Northside Pilgrim Holiness Church .

While at Hastings camp in the summer of 1958, Rev. Brillhart met Rev. James Witmer.  He returned to the church with a proposal to hire Rev.  Witmer as pastor, since Rev. Brillhart’s health was declining.  Rev. Brillhart retired for health reasons that July, and Rev. Witmer began his role as the new senior pastor in August.

Our Mission

Our History

Wesleyan Church Today

As Rev. James Witmer was settling into his new position, he received a vision from God to build a new building for the young and growing church.  The current location on Franklin Street could no longer accommodate the needs of the congregation, and the building was put up for sale.  It soon sold, and the church had to move out before the new building was completed.  They rented a few classrooms from Battle Creek Christian School on Wagner Drive and proceeded to hold their services there until a more permanent location could be established.


Rev. James Witmer

The New Building

In 1961, construction of the new building was completed.  Northside Pilgrim Holiness Church moved into its new location at 195 Bradley Street , on the corner of Bradley Street and East Avenue North . Rev. Witmer took ill and died in April of 1963, not long after he witnessed the birth of his vision.  Rev. Brillhart was asked to return to the church until a replacement could be found.

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