Community

In 1921, through the efforts of Pastor E. E. Harris of Bonebrake Seminary, a church was officially established at this site. It still was not connected with any denomination. There were eleven adult members in the initial group. Through intensive evangelistic work in the community, primarily by Rev. and Mrs. Harris, some 50 to 60 new members were added on Easter Sunday in 1922.

In 1928 Mrs. Carnell donated a lot on Sperling and Woodley Roads that served as a new location for the congregation. With this move came another name change to Eastwood Community Church. The bui3 ing was completed for dedication in September with Pastor E. E. Harris presiding. The old building was sold to the city of Dayton to be used as a community center. Dr. Palmer from Grace did much of the preaching, often assisted by Bonebrake students.

After Dr. Palmer's death, Bonebrake students were hired to serve as student pastors. The second of these, Merle Blinn, led the group to affiliate formally with the Methodist Church, on December 8, 1940. This was due primarily to the work of the Palmers and other Grace folks. The name was changed to Eastwood Methodist Church. The congregation depended much on other Dayton Methodist churches for financial aid in this critical phase.

With the war, Wright-Patterson expanded. Burkhardt and Huffman hillsides filled with homes. Overlook Homes came into being as a first home for many who were to remain in Dayton for generations.

The first pastor appointed by the Methodists served the Van Buren Church as well as Eastwood. The second appointed pastor saw potential in this area. and went to Grace Methodist for help in purchasing a parsonage for Eastwood. Their Benevolence Board then agreed both to buy a parsonage, and to pay for maintenance and insurance on the building for a period of five years. Grace would hold title for those five years, and then deed the building and lot to Eastwood free and clear.