5940 Madison Avenue, Anderson, Indiana 46013, United States
Welcome! There's a place here, just for you!
We are not just a church... but a family of believers
united by God's word and faith in Jesus Christ.
Worship Services
Interim Pastor Rob Lowery
Retired Pastor Steve Gettinger
Worship Services this month
^ Click on the Video Above ^
Watch the warm welcome from Interim Pastor
Rob Lowery
I have had the privilege of calling Whetstone Church my home since 1986. I love the faith and feeling of family from those who attend here. While attending Anderson University I served as Youth Pastor at Whetstone for 3 years and in other ministry roles of the church since then. I have also served as a Camp Counselor and Director of Merom Camp and Retreat Center in Merom, Indiana for over 20 years and as a supply preacher for 7 years. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of my pastor, mentor and friend, Pastor Steve Gettinger, in sharing the good news about Jesus Christ, our Savior, from the pulpit.
While time allows, I enjoy drawing, painting, woodworking and spending time
with my kids and grandkids.
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Worship Services this month
Retired Pastor Steve Gettinger
Worship Services this month
Sunday School
Every Sunday @ 9:30am
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~ + Worship Service + ~
Sunday, July 7 @ 10:15am
Sunday, July 14 @ 10:15am
Sunday, July 21 @ 10:15am
Sunday, July 28 @ 10:15am
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Retired Pastor Steve Gettinger
Retired Pastor Steve Gettinger
Retired Pastor Steve Gettinger
Pastor Steve and Lyn, thank you for your selfless service and devotion to our church family for 35 years. Your guidance and spiritual leadership have been a beacon of light to our congregation. We are immensely grateful for your tireless efforts in nurturing our faith and your unwavering commitment to spreading God's love and wisdom to our church, in our community and on missions around the world.
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This Month's Events
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
Thursday
July 4th 2024
Happy Birthday America!
248 Years!
Merom Summer Camp
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
~ Merom ~
Summer Camp
All Ages
Starts
Sunday, July 14th thru July 20th
~Church Picnic~
Happy Independence Day!
~Church Picnic~
Church Picnic
in the Gym
After Church!
Sunday
July 28th 2024
Need Prayer?
Connections as a Congregation to the Wider Church
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
- Operation Love Ministries, Inc., reaches out as the hands and feet of Christ in Madison County to provide tangible goods and services to those in need.
“Help for Today & Hope for Tomorrow”
all in the name of Christ.
A Heart For Kids - After School Fun and Learning
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
Youngsters at Erskine Elementary School each Monday and Wednesday, during the school year gather up their books and supplies and troop across West 60th St. to Whetstone Christian Church, where Val Petry and a host of volunteers are waiting to provide help with homework and extra tutoring, as well as engage them in a variety of songs, games and other activities, including Bible study.
Cub Scouts of America
Operation Love - food, financial counseling, crisis help
Links International - where we support Meg Gettinger-Dul in Hungary
Cub Scouts
PACK 218
Meet at
Whetstone Christian Church
Mondays 6:30pm
Be Prepared.
It’s more than a motto,
it’s a way of life.
The Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. In 2018, more than 77,000 young women and their families said, “Scout Me In” when we welcomed both young men and women into our Cub Scouting program. By welcoming all, even more youth will have access to the character development and values-based leadership that Scouting promises.
Links International - where we support Meg Gettinger-Dul in Hungary
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
Links International - where we support Meg Gettinger-Dul in Hungary
Hungary: Translation Work
Hungarian is a notoriously difficult language to learn, and theological resources for pastors are limited and expensive. Your gift will provide resource books in Hungarian to a library for pastors.
According to Meg Gettinger-Dul, "In the years since I first went to Hungary, I’ve seen God work in wonderful ways to draw people to Himself. I consider it an honor and a joy to be a part of that work."
Beyond your prayer support, it is your financial generosity that allows us to do what we do. Every bit helps, so thank you so much for your contribution. In order for you to make your online donation, simply fill out the form below. Thank you!
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
- Partnering with Friends of Hope gives action to words by reaching out to the destitute children of the world. For many of them, Friends of Hope is the only difference between life and death.
- Not only does Friends of Hope clothe, feed, love, and care for the children, but through shared partnerships of caring people, boys and girls receive hope in this life and the next.
- Hope for a future. hope for an education. hope for a life filled with the love of GOD!
Deaf Kids Connect
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
Friend's of Hope - Children's orphanages we helped to start in India
Who are we?
- Deaf Kids Connect, formerly Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries, has been serving for over 27 years, focusing on connecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families with the love of Jesus. With a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, we offer unique workshops, training, and mentoring programs.
- We stand out as the only ministry working directly with parents impacted by deafness, supporting them in their journey and guiding them in gospel-centered care by connecting families with Christ-honoring community where they can find a sense of belonging.
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
- The Christian Center is a rescue shelter located downtown in Anderson.
- It offers emergency shelter for guests with immediate physical needs. However, the Christian Center is not just a homeless shelter.
- Programs such as the community dining room, community assistance, and the thrift shop also help to serve the hurting in the community of Anderson.
- You can volunteer to help out in many different ways.
- The Red Door / Bella Boutique ~ great deals on Vintage Clothes, Vintage Records, or even Fashion Forward outfits, please keep the Red Door and Bella Boutique in mind. Also, keep us in mind when you donate your unwanted, gently used items, you’re supplying one gem of a purchase for a customer and providing a source of funding to The Christian Center.
- This part of the process is especially crucial, as it allows us to provide shopping vouchers for individuals and families who can’t afford items from our store.
- You can donate your time at the Red Door and Bella Boutique, too.
CHRISTIAN PARTNERS FOR RECONCILIATION
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
With 140 congregations in the Anderson area, there is great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the various churches, said the Rev. Steve Gettinger of Whetstone Church.
MADISON COUNTY JAIL CHAPLAINCY
Christian Center Rescue Ministries - Reaching out to the homeless in Anderson
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
What is the Chaplaincy Program?
The Madison County Sheriff's Chaplaincy Program communicates and shares the saving power, hope and love of Christ to the imprisoned, victims, sheriff's department employees and their families.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
- Celebrate Recovery meets every week.
- TUESDAY nights at 6:30pm at South Meridian Church of God, 2402 Meridian St, Anderson, IN 46016
- THURSDAY nights at 6:30pm at Madison Park Church, 6607 Providence Dr, Anderson, IN 46013
- CR is a Christ centered recovery ministry.
- We follow the 12 steps and 8 principles of recovery, based on the Beatitudes.
- Through learning and fellowship, we are changed.
- Our lives find new hope and freedom.
- CR is about peace, joy, serenity, and a strong personal relationship with God and others.
- In a complicated world that is full of opportunities to wear a mask, it's hard to find a safe place to take off your mask and be seen as the person God created .
YOUTH SERVING CHRIST MINISTRIES
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
YOUTH SERVING CHRIST MINISTRIES
Youth Serving Christ Ministries organization in Anderson, Indiana
Garri George - P O Box 123 Anderson, IN 46015 (765) 608-3059
We are reaching young people everywhere, working together with local churches and other like minded partners, to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus Christ, who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, ANDERSON, IN
YOUTH SERVING CHRIST MINISTRIES
- Established in 1985 by a group of Madison County area churches, the Christian Counseling Center provides professional outpatient counseling services to families and individuals within an ecumenical context which recognizes, respects, and encourages Christian belief and lifestyle.
- At some point in life everyone will face times of personal crisis in which their world becomes chaotic and they face important choices and challenges.
- A compassionate caring counselor frequently can be of significant help in the quest for understanding and emotional wholeness.
- All persons are served regardless of race, sex, or religious affiliation.
Faithful to the Core...
“WE AT WHETSTONE ARE COMMITTED TO THESE VALUES:”
- The importance of a personal relationship with Christ.
- No one else can believe for you
- You must be born again – we believe in heaven and hell, forgiveness and judgement. Receive Christ as Savior, or reject Him. Response of faith is crucial!
- Scriptural Authority. “We are a Bible Believing Church”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 -- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- The Bible is the inspired and reliable revelation of God, completely trustworthy in all matters of faith and practice.
- God has given us many sources of wisdom and insight (tradition, gifted teachers, common sense) that we ought to develop and pursue, but Scripture stands above them all.
- Each of us needs to be growing in our understanding and application of the Bible..
- Worship is our vital response to God’s greatness… acknowledging that He is far greater than we.
Hebrews 10:24 -- And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, John 4:23 -- Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
- While we are traditional in style, we want to be contemporary in spirit.
- We will gather together weekly, and on special occasions, to give this offering to God.
- Power of prayer; the only way to accomplish God’s work is by God’s power, and prayer is key.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- pray continually, Luke 18:1 -- Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up: “Watch and pray that you not fall into temptation”
- Ministry of all believers
Ephesians 4:11-12 -- So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
- Ministry of all believers; each Christian is called by God and powered by the Holy Spirit to do God’s work.
- The work of God will not be fulfilled unless each of us do our part.
- Congregational structure
1 Cor 1:5-8 -- For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Congregational structure; God speaks to and through all believers, therefore each one’s voice is important to us.
- Related to this is congregational autonomy; we will work together and join with other congregations to proclaim God’s Kingdom, but each has its own unique connection to Christ the Head. .
- Christ’s command to Love one another; we are a family of faith.
- Every member of the family should be known by name, and feel included.
- We show special care to those with special needs (i.e. shut-ins, sick).
- We recognize all congregations that exalt Jesus as Lord to be part of our wider family.
- Christ’s commission to reach out to our community and world.
Matthew 28:19-20 -- "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
You are now entering the Missionary Field
- We will reach out to our neighbors and neighborhood in witness, inviting them to join in the family.
- We will reach out to the poor and needy in Christian compassion.
- We will reach out to the world in supporting Christian missions.
- Ministry to children and youth
Matthew 19:14 -- Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
- Ministry to children and youth; knowing that the church is always only one generation away from extinction.
- We value youth and will reach out to youth, striving to bring them fully in to the family of faith.
Statement of Faith
Our Faith
1. We believe the Bible consisting of the Old and New Testament, to be the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God written.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling power and fullness the Christian is enabled to live a godly life in this present evil world.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.
Our History
History of Whetstone Church
Just let your minds wander with me back in the 1860’s and think there was no church building near this community. The people felt the great need of a place for worship so they met in the Langley school house then located about one-fourth mile east of the present Roosevelt building. They did not have a regular minister. They met to worship together and who ever wished to lead them did so. Later John Sims acted as their leader. He called on each one personally to testify and the spirit of the Lord surely was present for each one received much benefit and the attendance grew beyond capacity of the building.
On January 14, 1867, Miss Julia Whetstone, daughter of Jonas Whetstone died. At that time there were not many cemeteries near here. Peter Whetstone, Uncle of Miss Whetstone living on an 80-acre farm offered his brother Jonas a strip of ground for a burial place which was later named the Whetstone Cemetery.
When the worship group at the schoolhouse grew beyond capacity it was with the consent of Mr. Whetstone to locate a new church building in the corner of the cemetery.
Charles Fits and Thomas Orr offered to build the church building. Each person interested furnished material from their own timber. Some furnished the hewed logs and others took logs to the sawmill and had them sawed and planed. Some of those who furnished materials were Peter Whetstone, Noah Shock, Mrs. Hanna McCarty, Jonas Whetstone, Eliah Poffenbarger and many others. After the building was completed each one interested brought that material they had and met at the church and made some crude benches. Later some benches were purchased from an abandoned church in North Anderson.
The church was nondenominational. The doors were open to anyone who wished to attend or preach. The German Baptist and Brethern Congregations used it regularly.
On December 23, 1882, the members of the church met for a business meeting and they discussed reorganizing the body. The following four principles were read and approved.
1. The Holy Bible as our only rule of faith and practice.
2. The name Christian to exclude all other names.
3. Christian character as life of holiness our only test of Christian fellowship.
4. The right of private interpretation of scripture and liberty of conscience.
This body was known as the Whetstone Organization of Christian Faith. There was no regular minister hired until near 1885. Among the most faithful who preached was James Comer and Rev. Williams who came for a free-will offering.
In the early spring of 1915, the building needed many repairs and a committee was appointed to investigate the needs of the building. At a business meeting on May 31, 1915, it was voted to erect a new bungalow type building without a basement on the same site of the old building. The new church was dedicated December 19, 1915, by Rev. John McCorhill, pastor assisted by Rev. J. D. Foster. a full house enjoyed the day and money was raised in full to clear all indebtness. Later in 1920 by the co-operation of members a basement was made and a furnace installed. In 1922, electricity was extended down Brown Street Road and was put in the church by co-operation of the Ladies Aid Society which had been organized years before and had been a great asset to the church by their assistance in keeping the interior of the church attractive and helping in many other ways.
The young people of the church were very active in the promotion of the Kingdom so they organized their group which was called the Whetstone Christian Endeavor Society. They have been very beneficial to the church and have done splendid work. During the spring of 1932 the society decided to beautify the church surroundings. Shrubbery was planted around the church and memorial corner of evergreens was dedicated Sunday, October 9, 1932 by the respective families to the memory of Lee Keller, Sylvia Stewart, William Hull, Franklin Mikels, Clinton Langley, Sarah Whetstone and Ephram Gale.
Through the efforts of Walter Whetstone, Sunday School Superintendent, and Rev. J. Wesley Stewart, pastor, a Brotherhood/Sisterhood Organized December 16, 1925. this organization has grown beyond the capacity of the church building and has spread brotherly and sisterly love through the community which has benefited the church in many ways.
The Sunday School steadily grew and the church building was filled almost to capacity every Sunday so the need of a larger building was felt by the Sunday School and Brotherhood Organization. A committee from the church and brotherhood was appointed to meet with the church officials and investigate some plans for enlarging the church building or build a new one. There was some discussion about enlarging the present building but it was located so near the cemetery line and roads it was suggested to purchase a new site and build a new building.
Church Building Committee Brotherhood Building Committee
- James Hoppes Roy Jones
- Tom Johns Frank Denliner
- Roy Stottlemyer Edward Smith
- Albert Jordon Carey Sheets
- Ora Wheeldon Earl Faulkenberry
- Elmer Stinson Russell Snydman
On March 20, 1938 the committee presented that a new site be purchased and a new building be erected and the Brotherhood organization pay $5 to the Church’s $2 on the expense of the building. The report was accepted and the committee authorized to proceed with the plans. On April 10 it was voted to purchase a three-acre tract of ground from Mrs. Hattie Harmeson which was located directly across the road to the North from the present site, at $500 per acre.
On July 24, 1938 a breaking of the ground service was held when Rev. G. R. Osborn, pastor, turned over the first spade of earth. Work was started on the basement the following week and the cement for the foundation was poured on Thursday, August 18.
The new building was erected by a lot of donated labor with Melvin Williams of Lapel as head superintendent. Records of labor was kept and allowed as cash on their subscriptions for the finance of the building. The laying of the cornerstone was held Sunday, October 9, 1938, when a large crowd enjoyed the day.
Some of the pastors of the church include: Walter Coe, Rev. Hinkle, Rev. Newhouse, Rev. Garritson, Bruce Mounsey, J. Wesley Stewart, Delmar Harrold, Howard Warner.
The Official Board includes: Deacon and Deaconesses: James Hoppes, Ben Mikels, Ollie Stohler, Estella Hoppes, Mary Stohler; Trustess: Ben Mikels, Oran Swartz, Earl Brown; Clerk: Marie Swartz; Treasurer: James Hoppes; Financial Secretary: Herbert Stottlemyer; Stewardess: Grace Johnson, Elizabeth Swartz, Lenna Stottlemyer; Pianist: Mary Lockwood; Ushers: Evert Orebaugh, Billy McDuffee, Robert Johnson; Auditors: Elmer Stinson, Ben Orebaugh; Chorister: Evert Orebaugh.
PASTORS OF WHETSTONE CHURCH
- Rev. Bruce Mounsey 1918
- Rev. John McCorkhill 1919
- Bro. Bert Page 1921
- Bro. Featherstone 1922
- Rev. J. W. Stewart 1923
- Rev. Delmar Harold 1930
- Rev. Howard Warner 1932
- Rev. J. W. Stewart 1933
- Rev. G. R. Osborn 1934
- Rev. Virgil Harris 1947
- Rev. Noah Grile 1948
- Rev. Alvin Thomas 1951
- Rev. Albert Byrne 1952
- Rev. Wm. B. Howenstine 1960
- Rev. Verlin Smith 1967
- Rev. Charles Burrey 1983
- Rev. Stehphen P. Gettinger 1989