The nickname refers to the East Hamilton neighborhood where Grand Boulevard goes uphill to intersect with four other streets, also known as Five Points. Back then, there was a turkey farm up on the hill, hence Gobbler’s Nob, which also bore the reputation of being a rough part of town.
“Some of the old timers used to talk about the bullets flying through the walls while people were worshiping,” said David Charles.
“People didn’t want a church up here,” added William Fox. “They’d hear the music and singing and start shooting at the building because they didn’t want to hear it.”
But the church has endured 90 years, now with about 80 members, and the trustees say that it has served as the mother church for bigger Pentecostal congregations in Butler County, including the Princeton Pike Church of God, the Highway of Holiness Church and the West Side Pentecostal, now known as the Hamilton Christian Center.
“People would get mad about something, then take off and form their own church,” said Steve Allen.
The church also has endured a recent decline in membership due to the protracted illness of its most recent pastor, the Rev. Willard Baker, who suffered from heart disease and diabetes, finally passing away last Easter after several years. Smith said that a weeklong celebration featuring three former pastors might help bring back some who might have stopped coming because of Baker’s absence.
“We’re hoping all the sheep that have left will at least come back and have dinner with us,” he said.
“It’s a chance to come back to reminisce,” Charles added.
“And we hope some will come back for good,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, 37-year member Denny Matheny has been filling in as pastor. The trustees have offered him the job, but he’s not sure the Lord wants him to take it yet.
The week of revival starts 10 a.m. Aug. 21 with special guest speaker Brother Bill Hicks from Dayton, followed by dinner in Fellowship Hall.
About the Author