Our History
The Building
Summit United Methodist Church was created in 1977, as a merger between University United Methodist Church, Indianola United Methodist Church, and the Wesley Foundation at the Ohio State University. The next six years were spent re-designing and remodeling the current space (the former Wesley Foundation) to create a contemporary space for worship, an updated kitchen, and other necessary renovations. Summit United Methodist Church had its first worship service in the newly renovated space on May 1, 1983. In 1988, a beautiful red Reiger Organ from Austria was installed in the Centrum.
Open & Affirming
Over the years, through changes in pastoral leadership and fluctuating attendance, Summit has been a forerunner as a place of welcome for all people. The church took an early stance in the 80’s when they were willing to offer overnight housing to an LGBT student group. Since then, people in the LGBT community and from all kinds of backgrounds have found Summit to be a place of welcome and hospitality. In June of 2006, Summit officially became a reconciling congregation, joining a network of other churches that are open and affirming to the LGBT community.
Campus Ministry
Campus ministry has been a core part of the identity of the congregation since the merger and continues to be of primary importance today. With its history as the Wesley Foundation at OSU, and its location in the heart of the University District, the Summit community continues to care deeply about the spiritual needs of students. Our student group meets regularly to plan new events, and to participate in fellowship, service, study, and worship. Summit is a unique place where students can not only find community with one another while off campus, but also become part a larger and more diverse intergenerational community. For over 13 years, the church has hosted a Jericho Road Breakfast where they serve pancakes and eggs to college students from 11pm–2am and have ever since been fondly known as “The Pancake Church” on campus.
Families & Children
From 1965–2006, the church hosted a preschool that served families in the University District. During the summer of 2011, Summit hosted a 6-week Freedom School in partnership with Maynard United Methodist Church and the Children’s Defense Fund. The school served 100 students in the University District from grades Pre-K through Grade 12. The school is a part of an intentional outreach effort to families and children in the Weinland Park neighborhood. These efforts continue today through an After School program that meets on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, serving 15-20 youth in the neighborhood.
Community Outreach
Summit is home to the University Area Enrichment Association, Free Geek, Yay Bikes, and the Ohio Hunger Network. The partnerships with these organizations have continued to facilitate more active involvement in the community. Summit hosts a community garden in the beds directly surrounding the church. Computer classes and other educational opportunities are happening in the building all the time. For many years, Summit was home to a vital food pantry. Now, Summit partners with Neighborhood Services Inc. (NSI) to provide much needed food, clothing, and resources to University area families in need.
A New Future
Summit has now entered into a time of revitalization and growth. There is a new energy in the air and a new excitement about reaching out to the community and serving others. New pastoral leadership, including two pastors, a new children’s pastor, campus minister, and an ordained deacon, have brought the necessary leadership and direction to determine what is next. The journey continues and in many ways, the work of Summit in the world has just begun!
