History

1965: The Plunge

To understand just how Faith Mission has evolved, you must go back to before Faith Mission even existed. In 1965 Reverend Harold Goers, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church on South Third Street, went to Chicago to take part in an urban training program. He participated in a part of the program known as “the plunge” in which he dressed in shabby clothes and with nothing but change in his pocket, went to live for three days on Chicago’s Skid Row. He slept in a flophouse among some of the city’s most desperate homeless men.

When Rev. Goers returned to his church, he wondered how this practical experience could be put to use. He happened to meet Charles Lane, a new church member and an employee of the City Mission on Chestnut Street. Lane had learned that City Mission was about to lose its lease and pleaded with Goers to help him find a storefront in which to open another mission. Rev. Goers was not sure from where the money or resources would come to open a new venture but Lane challenged him saying “Where is your faith, Pastor?”

Goers wrote that “after a month of doubt and fear, we stepped out in faith and rented a small storefront at 177 E. Long Street.” In January 1966, Faith Mission filed articles of incorporation and, on February 6, 1966 Faith Mission held its first worship service and served its first meal to 14 men.

If it weren’t for Pastor Goers’ experience on Skid Row, thousands of Columbus’ most desperate men and women would not have been able to experience a hot meal, a warm bed and hope at Faith Mission over the last 50 years. As we honor the 50th anniversary of that first meal, we thank all of the founders of Faith Mission and look forward to serving Columbus’ homeless and hungry neighbors for another 50 years.

1978: FAITHFUL TO FAITH MISSION

The early years of Faith Mission were devoted to helping Columbus’ most desperate men. Many of them were addicts or alcoholics. The first executive director, Arthur Basye, said in a 1978 Lantern article, “One of the reasons we started the mission in 1966 was to help people with a drinking problem.”  Mr. Basye said that he could relate to these men because he too was an alcoholic. In the article, he states “If a man is in a rut, he has to be told he’s in a rut before he can climb out. If he needs a boot, then we’ll give it to him.”  At first, the Faith Mission staff did that through hot meals and worship services. Later, they added beds to keep the men off the streets and out of the flophouses where drinks were plentiful. And, of course, compassion, understanding and tough love were dispensed when needed.

Many such men found safety and peace at Faith Mission. One man, Jack Lillis came to Faith Mission for shelter and stayed for six years. He became the Mission’s handyman, housekeeper and all-around fixer-upper. He felt safe there and wanted to give back. He became a fixture around the Mission.  He was just one example of what the power of showing those in need dignity, respect and kindness can do. Faith Mission has served countless men and women since its start in 1966 but the mission remains the same. To create a better world by serving people in need.

1979: ONLY CHURCH IN TOWN TRYING TO DIMINISH CONGREGATION

Faith Mission was started by a group of faithful Lutherans in 1966. For many of those beginning years, homeless men were invited to participate in a worship service before enjoying the hot meal served every evening. The lighted cross saying “Jesus saves” outside the building was an obvious giveaway that the shelter within was run by the devoted. The intent was not to convert but to save.

Arthur Basye, the first executive director of Faith Mission, was proud of the distinction. He states in a Dispatch article in 1979, “Our main purpose is Christianity and then we treat the physical aspect. We try to teach the discipline and the love of Christ. We try our best to find them jobs and return them to a useful place in society.” He said later in the article that “Faith Mission was the only ‘church’ in town “trying to work to diminish our congregation, not build one.”

Many Lutheran congregations banded together to provide hope and healing to Columbus’ homeless population. More than 50 congregations committed to at least one night a month at Faith Mission offering worship services as well as dinner. Without these faithful volunteers, Mr.Basye would have had a difficult time keeping the doors open. He mentions in the same article, “Everything we have is donated and everything we have is given away.”
Things have changed since 1966. Both men and women are served at the shelter. The Community Kitchen serves three meals every day to everyone who is hungry. And there is no worship service requirement to receive services. However, there are now more than 150 congregations who volunteer at Faith Mission on a regular basis, providing and serving meals as well as supporting with donations.

The dedication of not only the staff but also the volunteers in the early days is commendable and something for which we are deeply thankful. Faith Mission has served countless neighbors in need over the last 50 years and will continue to do so long into the future because of the foundation laid by these founders.