Our History
One Hope Church of the Nazarene has a rich heritage built out of a conviction for church planting, discipleship, missions, community outreach, holiness, and the Global Church of the Nazarene.
In 1937 Rev. Moore acquired a building for $1,100 on South Third Street which had been built in 1877 and was used by the German Lutheran congregation until 1917 and began the Church of the Nazarene in Tipp City. Rev. Moore, pastor of the Troy Nazarene Church, proceeded to organize and prepare for its first service. He secured a young minister, Harvey Doubledee, to be the pastor. With the help of other Church planters from the Troy Church, Tipp City Church of the Nazarene was officially organized on August 8, 1937. They held their first revival that fall many young people accepted Christ as their Savior and all the new converts were added to the church membership. A new beginning; a new commitment.
In 1974, under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Stallings, ten acres were purchased on State Route 571. It was a commitment to better serve their community and God, despite concerns and some criticisms, they proceeded to step out in faith. The congregation built their first building in 1976; a new Learning Center. And in 1979 a sanctuary.
On May 31, 1987, the congregation broke ground for a building that would provide a fellowship and recreation facility, as well as classrooms. The goal was to use that facility to minister to its people and the community of Tipp City. Today it is in constant use by our Preschool/Daycare, teens, children and community programs such at the Tippecanoe High School drum line and Select Basketball participants.
In May of 2017 the church hired its first female pastor, Rachel Kuhn. Through her leadership, we sought to continue creating a rich history by investing in the global church and in our local community with the love of Christ through mission work, food and clothing ministries, the Salvation Army, teen and children’s outreach programs and our Preschool/Daycare. Now, as we seek leadership under Pastor Lou Reyes, we continue to strive for these same mission-minded goals.
In May of 2015, Karen Williams joined the ministry of the church as a teacher at One Hope Learning Center. In October of 2019, she was hired as the Assistant Director of the Learning Center, continuing to invest in the lives of children and families in the community. In September of 2021, she stepped into a new role as Church Administrator and Children’s Pastor, expanding her ministry within the life of the church. In January of 2023, her role transitioned to Worship and Children’s Pastor, where she continues to lead worship and nurture the faith of the next generation.
In February of 2021, Hannah Walker joined One Hope Learning Center as a teacher, serving children and families in the church and community. In April of 2022, she stepped into the role of Assistant Director, continuing to help lead and grow the ministry. On February 14, 2023, Hannah became the Director of One Hope Learning Center. Through her leadership and dedication to early childhood education, she continues to help create a nurturing environment where children are cared for and introduced to the love of Christ. On July 10, 2025, she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA), further strengthening her commitment to excellence in caring for and educating young children.
On September 15th, 2024, the church relaunched under a new name: One Hope Church of the Nazarene. With a new name came a renewed mission, fresh vision, and new ministry! To help share the hope of Jesus one person at a time, One Hope Learning Center is working to open the first special needs daycare classroom in all of Miami County. A sensory space became available on Sunday mornings and a handicap accessible family bathroom was added. In addition, the new fellowship Gathering Space was created in the church foyer.
On March 1, 2026, Pastor Lou Reyes was hired as the Lead Pastor of One Hope Church of the Nazarene. As the church continues to build on its rich heritage of faith, discipleship, and community outreach, Pastor Reyes leads the congregation forward in its mission to share the hope of Jesus with the surrounding community.
The Church you see here today has been accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit through a dedicated group of members and 14 dedicated and gifted lead Pastors:
Harvey Doubledee (1937-1940) | Clifford Sando (1940-1944) | Dwight Plymire (1944-1947) | Everett Phillips (1947-1948) | T.E. Pendleton (1948-1953) | W.V. Sharp (1953-1956) | Verl Ballmer (1956-1965) | Howard Sylvia (1965-1970) | Noah Wyatt (1970-1973) | R. Wayne Stallings (1975-1979) | Alan R. Dicer (1979-1988) | Mark McCuistion (1988-1994) | Bradley Warkentine (1994-2015) | Rachel Kuhn (2017-2025) | Lou Reyes (2026-present)