What We Believe

As Brethren, we have no creed except, "The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible." As such, we affirm the following as consistent with biblical teaching.

We believe the Holy Scriptures are the sole and final authority for all articles of faith and doctrine.

We believe that the church exists to diligently present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster such activities as will result in the salvation of souls, to provide opportunities for study of the Bible, to promote and encourage the regular worship of Almighty God and to promote spiritual growth of the believers.

We believe and faithfully practice the biblical teachings of baptism, and of feet washing, the Love Feast, and the Eucharist (the bread and the cup) as elements of Holy Communion.

Mission Statement

The Gretna Brethren Church is a body of believers committed to God as revealed through Biblical truth. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we reach out to others in Christian love and witness. We seek to create an atmosphere which draws others to the living Spirit of God. We desire to reflect Christ's love, encouraging one another to follow His example, as we join together to worship, study, serve, and grow in the Lord.

Our Beginning

In the fall of 1889, Rev. Isaac Kilhefner of Ashland County moved his family into the store building at Gretna. He and Mr. W. H. Miller, telegraph operator at Gretna, purchased the stock of goods and Rev. Kilhefner conducted the business and preached for the Brethren.

On the 21st day of January, 1891, a meeting was held in the residence of Mr. P.J. Detrick for the purpose of organizing a Brethren Church, and sixteen persons signed their desire to become charter members of the church.

Church officers were elected, and a soliciting committee was appointed and started to work at once and was met with hearty response. Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Mohr of Washington township offered to donate an acre of ground for the building site which was gladly accepted. The contract for the erection of the building was given to Mr. William Welser and the day for the dedication was set for October 11, 1891. Rev. Kilhefner invited Rev. J. Allen Miller, then a 24 year-old professor and later president of Ashland College, to preach the dedication sermon. Due to failing health, the following spring, Rev. Kilhefner resigned his pastorate and moved his family back to Ashland County.