Where It All Began

For more than 60 years, Chapel Hill has been a church built on faith, community, and a heart for welcoming others. What began with a small group gathering in a local school quickly grew into a thriving congregation serving the Wayne Township community. This is our story.

A Vision Begins

In 1961, the Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church purchased land on Girls School Road in Indianapolis with a vision to start a new church—what would become Chapel Hill Methodist Church.

Before a building existed, the first services were held at Fulton Junior High School. Led by Rev. Donald McMahon, volunteers went door-to-door inviting neighbors to worship. On December 3, 1961, 108 people gathered for the first service, supported by nearby Methodist churches and the surrounding community.

A Church Takes Root

In March 1962, 67 people joined on what became known as Charter Sunday, marking the official start of the congregation.

Soon after, Rev. Clark Hobby was appointed as the first pastor and began planning for a permanent church home. Despite limited resources, groundbreaking took place in April 1963, and by April 1964 the new sanctuary was consecrated—an exciting milestone for the young church.

A Vision Begins

In 1961, the Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church purchased land on Girls School Road in Indianapolis with a vision to start a new church—what would become Chapel Hill Methodist Church.

Before a building existed, the first services were held at Fulton Junior High School. Led by Rev. Donald McMahon, volunteers went door-to-door inviting neighbors to worship. On December 3, 1961, 108 people gathered for the first service, supported by nearby Methodist churches and the surrounding community.

A Church Takes Root

In March 1962, 67 people joined on what became known as Charter Sunday, marking the official start of the congregation.

Soon after, Rev. Clark Hobby was appointed as the first pastor and began planning for a permanent church home. Despite limited resources, groundbreaking took place in April 1963, and by April 1964 the new sanctuary was consecrated—an exciting milestone for the young church.

Leadership Through the Years

Throughout the years, many dedicated pastors have helped guide Chapel Hill’s mission and impact in the Wayne Township community. Each leader brought their own vision while continuing the church’s commitment to faith, service, and connection.

Pastors who have served at Chapel Hill include:
  • Rev. Charles DuMond
  • Rev. W. Robb Kell
  • Rev. Lynn (1979)
  • Rev. Reggie Monson (Associate Pastor)
  • Rev. John Beatty (1984)
  • Rev. Wade Compton (Associate Pastor)
  • Deacon Rev. Cathy Najmon (Youth Pastor)
  • Rev. N. Jack Wolfe (1995)
  • Pastor David Powell (Associate Pastor)
  • Pastor Jeff Zirkle (2001)
  • Rev. Esther Wilson (2007)
  • Senior Pastor C. Mike Biggs (2007)
  • Pastor Kathy Ottinger (2011)
  • Reverend Dr. J.T. Thomas (2013)

Leadership Through the Years

Throughout the years, many dedicated pastors have helped guide Chapel Hill’s mission and impact in the Wayne Township community. Each leader brought their own vision while continuing the church’s commitment to faith, service, and connection.

Pastors who have served Chapel Hill include:
  • Rev. Charles DuMond
  • Rev. W. Robb Kell
  • Rev. Lynn (1979)
  • Rev. Reggie Monson (Associate Pastor)
  • Rev. John Beatty (1984)
  • Rev. Wade Compton (Associate Pastor)
  • Deacon Rev. Cathy Najmon (Youth Pastor)
  • Rev. N. Jack Wolfe (1995)
  • Pastor David Powell (Associate Pastor)
  • Pastor Jeff Zirkle (2001)
  • Rev. Esther Wilson (2007)
  • Senior Pastor C. Mike Biggs (2007)
  • Pastor Kathy Ottinger (2011)
  • Reverend Dr. J.T. Thomas (2013)

Today & Beyond

On July 1, 2018, Pastor Dave Buckner and his wife Laura joined Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Today, the church continues to build on its foundation of serving the community, strengthening faith, and creating a place where people can belong. And the story is still being written.

Chapel Hill Today

On July 1, 2018, Pastor Dave Buckner and his wife Laura joined Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Today, the church continues to build on its foundation of serving the community, strengthening faith, and creating a place where people can belong. And the story is still being written.