Our Story
The Wilmington Church of God was started in a little one room country church in Bloomington, Ohio in 1973 by Pastor Elizabeth Looney, husband Ernest, children Joe and Renee. The church grew and flourished under Pastor Looney’s leadership and over the years has moved several times.
In 1977 the church moved to the fairgrounds in Sabina, Ohio where they met and had church in a barn. In 1978 the church purchased the old Wilmington VFW and remained there till 1980. The church then moved to 198 S. Walnut St. where it remained till the Lord gave Sister Looney a vision to build our current church location at 100 R. Gordon Drive.
The Land was donated and in December of 1996 the building was completed. Wilmington Church of God was blessed to move into an 8700 sq. foot facility with a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, children’s church area, Sunday school rooms, and offices.
To fill those rooms and children’s area, Pastor Looney led the church in starting a bus ministry that still picks up hundreds of kids each month for church. Pastor Looney also had a heart for kids and those who were hungry and in need. A food pantry was started while at the Walnut Street location and continues to feed thousands of people per year in Wilmington, Ohio and Clinton, County.
Pastor Looney continued to pastor the church and love the people of Wilmington till her retirement in 2019. In May of 2019, the current pastors assumed leadership. Even through the difficult season of the pandemic the church has grown and the facilities been updated.
In 2022 the church celebrated the burning of the note and officially became debt free!
We thank God, daily, for where we have been, and we look forward, with anticipation, where He is taking us!