On July 10, 1952, Rev. O.L. Maish, District Superintendent of the Michigan District Church of the Nazarene, organized the Holt Church of the Nazarene with 11 charter members. Among those were Rev. and Mrs. William Kelley, who was appointed pastor, and Alton and Leona Kinney. The men of the church built the building that served the church for over 30 years at Hall and Schoolcraft. Rev. Kelley served as pastor from the time of organizations until August 1957.

Subsequent pastors include Rev. William Hurt (August 1957-November 1961), Rev. Jerry Ulrich (November 1961-June 1967), Rev. William Tolbert (June 1967-July 1971), and Rev. Owen Underwood (August 1971-August 1982).

Rev. Underwood arrived from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. During his leadership the church experienced growth so in June 1976, the church voted to look for property to build on. Within a year, 7 1/2 acres located at 4851 W. Holt Road was purchased on a land contract and plans drawn for a new building.

Things were delayed until rev. Paul K. Moore (September 1982-September 1987) came to the congregation. Rev. Moore had the experience to lead the church in building the new sanctuary, fellowship hall, and Sunday School classrooms. The new building was dedicated in September 1985.

Rev. Timothy R. Smith arrived in November 1987 and was able to help the church grow to the point of needing 4,160 square feet (80’ x 52’) of additional educational space, which was phase two of their three phase program. Construction on the second phase was completed in November 1991 and dedicated in January 1992. Phase III was to build a 350 seat sanctuary.

Written for Delhi Township Sesquicentennial, 1992