OUR STORY
Serving Christ Since 1836
Nearly two centuries of God’s faithfulness in the Medina community.
A Heritage of Faith
The story of Medina Federated Church stretches back to the earliest days of the Medina community. Through generations of pastors, families, ministries, building projects, and changing times, God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ have remained at the center.
Our Timeline
1836 — It Begins
On January 26, 1836, the Canandaigua Baptist Church was organized with 23 members. In June, the congregation called its first pastor, Rev. Edward Hodge. Later that year, the church voted to hold its meetings in the village of Medina.
1837 — Medina Baptist Church
On May 30, 1837, the congregation’s name was changed to Medina Baptist Church.
1846 — Our Historic Church Building
A new Baptist church building was constructed in Medina. That historic building remains part of Medina Federated Church today.
1930 — Medina Federated Church
During the Great Depression, Medina Baptist Church and Medina Methodist Church could no longer function independently. The two congregations joined together to form Medina Federated Church and began meeting in the Baptist church building.
1961 — Basement Completed
The church basement was completed and dedicated, providing additional space for ministry and fellowship.
1966 — Parsonage Completed
Construction of the church parsonage was completed after land had been donated for the project in 1964.
1986 — 150 Years
The congregation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the church’s ministry.
1988 — Ministry Expansion
A major addition was completed, adding the Fellowship Hall, pastor’s study, Sunday School office, and six classrooms.
2007 — Another Step Forward
Ground was broken for an expansion of the Fellowship Hall and construction of a gymnasium.
2012 — 176 Years of Ministry
The church celebrated its 176th anniversary, and an addition to the sanctuary was completed.
The Mission Continues
Buildings change. Generations change. Ministries change. But our calling remains the same: faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ, teach God’s Word, make disciples, and serve others.
EDIFY • EVANGELIZE • EQUIP
A LEGACY OF FAITHFUL LEADERSHIP
Pastors Through the Years
During the first 50 years of the church, twenty pastors served the congregation. Early records are incomplete, so the following is a partial list of pastors who have served Medina Baptist Church and Medina Federated Church.
1836–1887
Rev. Edward Hodge
1836–1838
Rev. Lauren Hotchkiss
1838–1840
Rev. Charles Bacon
1840–1842
Rev. John I. Fulton
1842–1843
Rev. A.S. Ames
1845–1849
Peter VanWinkle
1850
Rev. U.B. Miller
1850–1853
Rev. H.P. Stillwell
1853–1857
Rev. William Pack
1857–1859
Rev. S. Morland
1859
Rev. Philo Forbes
1860–1865
Rev. B.J. Boynton
1866–1869
Rev. C.P. Fesseden
1869
Rev. H.P. Eldridge
1870–1878
Rev. R.S. James
1878–1881
Rev. Issac Horton
1881
Rev. M.E. Hayne
1881–1884
Rev. A.H. Jessup
1885–1887
Rev. C.C. Willett
1887–?
1905–1958
Rev. Hamilton Fraser
1905–1915
Rev. R.O. Thompson
1920
Rev. Essex
1923
Joseph Richman
1924
Verle J. Carson
1936–1938
Nihl Johnson
1938–1941
Walter Saxman
1941–1944
Harry Harfst
1944–1949
Dr. R.D. Leonard
1949–1951
Robert Florean
Student Pastor, 1949–1951
James Simons
1951–1952
Miles Peele
1952–1954
Ralph Cheeseborough
Student Pastor, 1954–1956
Larry Bentley
1956–1958
1958–Present
Rev. Howard Yatzek Sr.
1958–1962
Rev. Morgan Reese
1963–1964
Charles Huber
Interim
Rev. Gerald French
Interim
Rev. Burt Brooks
Interim
Rev. Howard Yatzek Sr.
1967–1982
Rev. Ronald Watterly
1982–1984
Rev. David Leman
1985–1993
Rev. George Hall
1993–1998
Darren Lemmon
1999–Present
This list is based on surviving church records and is not believed to be complete.