A LITTLE ABOUT US
We are glad you found us today. It is our sincere desire that West Walnut Church of Christ, Portland, Indiana becomes a place where you connect with God and others. Here at WWCC you will find a church family who are centered in God’s Love, and people with whom you can build lasting authentic relationships.
We believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son, sent to us so we can have a relationship with God. Our mission is to Love God, Love People and Follow Jesus.
To Know God and Make Him Known.
We pray you will join us on this journey, and we hope to provide you with meaningful opportunities to connect with others who share this vision.
If you are just beginning to explore who God is, we want to come alongside you on that path. If you’re a follower of Jesus who wants to grow deeper in the context of a loving, church family, there is always room at West Walnut.
We trust you’ll find West Walnut Church of Christ a place you can call home.
MISSION AND VALUES
WEST WALNUT CHURCH EXISTS TO LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE AND FOLLOW JESUS.
This mission guides all that we pray for and do. We receive this commission from the great commandment found in Luke 10:27 to love God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love others as we love ourselves. We gather together as a body of Christ to receive strength for this mission and then go out into our neighborhoods, community, and world to share the love of Christ.
West Walnut Church of Christ desires to be a community which helps one another know God, make Him known and love each other.
OUR TEAM
Gil Alicea, Minister
Hey, thanks for stopping by. As a Jesus follower, my desire is to know God and make him known; to genuinely love and care for people as a reflection of God’s love through His son Jesus Christ for me, and to help build up the family, which is the first and most important institution the Lord established.
I am a blessed to be the papa to my three grown kids that I work to love and honor well, as they are a gift from God to be cherished.
We would love for you to join us in your faith walk at West Walnut Church of Christ. It is truly a loving and caring church.
Michelle Fisher, Office Manager
I grew up in a minister's home, so I have been sermon fodder for years!
I married my best friend Barry, almost 35 years ago. We raised 3 wonderful kids ho are all in ministry of some sort. We have 3 kid in laws, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons and a tie breaker coming in October.
I have been teaching piano lessons since I was a senior in high school and I'll let you figure out how long ago that was and how old I am :)
I have had a number of jobs in the church over the years: Children's ministry leader, VBS director (my favorite!), Worship leader, piano player, behind the scenes worker, wife of an elder, ladies Bible Study leader and office administrator. So I am very well aquainted with the workings of the church.
As a family our motto has always been Joshua 24:15b "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." We choose to live by that daily.
Randy, Ted, Brad and Allen, Our Elders
Our team of elders recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that they are shepherds who serve under the Jesus Christ. Their desire is to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our Elder’s passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry.
WEST WALNUT HISTORY
A long time ago, a few families felt a strong conviction in their hearts to help answer the Lord’s Prayer. They met together for the first time on June 27, 1874 in Portland, Indiana on the northeast corner of Main and Meridian Sts. For ten years this little group met.
The congregation continued to grow until it became necessary for a permenant home. On March 6, 1886 a committee was appointed to purchase a suitable location for a new church. They chose a lot at the southwest corner of West Walnut and North Middle Sts. The church was built in early 1888.
In April of 1889 H. T. Buff was secured as the first full time preacher. 12 ministers followed. During the ministry of C. H. Trout it was discussed that a new and larger house of worship was needed. On January 1, 1906, the present location at the corner of Commerce and Walnut Streets was purchased for $2,000.00. The cost of the church was approximately $20,000 and was dedicated on February 18, 1912.
During the ministry of John D. Hull the last of the indebtedness was paid off on the new building and in July 1919 the house on the southeast corner of Commerce and High Sts. Was purchased to be used as the parsonage. That was sold in 1946. In 1963 the property adjoining the church to the west was purchased and that house was then used as the parsonage.
On June 17, 1979 the addition of a fellowship hall was dedicated. A much needed addition.
Thru the years there have been 32 different ministers, numerous youth ministers and a number of young men and women who have gone on to be Timothys of this church.
West Walnut Church of Christ has been around a long time and we pray that God will continue to use us to be around and affective for many more years to come.