Common Grace of Noble County was begun by Dr. Dale Mendenhall, Rev. George Bloomquist, and Rev. Stan Kessler, Pastors of Trinity Church United Methodist, First Christian Church, and First Presbyterian Churches of Kendallville, respectively. In the early 1990's these pastors realized that more and more people were needing more and more help - more than any church alone could provide. They called together representatives of many churches in the area and organized a "development committee," consisting of 13 people representing 8 churches. This committee adopted Articles of Incorporation and obtained 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status from the State of Indiana on September 20, 1996. Since then about 28 residents of Noble County have served on the Board of Directors, representing the entire county.

Office space in an old factory building at 303 W. Rush St. was rented and opened on June 1, 1997. Rev. Daniel Barker was hired as the Program Director. Mrs. Helen Peters was hired by the Federal Title V program and served as Office Manager until her death in 2000.

In the eight years of serving the people of Noble County, over 2600 families have requested assistance with food, clothing, rent or lodging, utility help, medical, dental and eye care. The most urgent of these have always been helped (over 1900).

As Common Grace ministries have spread to include offices in all parts of the County, other programs to encourage self-sufficiency have been implemented. We thank God for the means by which many have been blessed by serving and by being served!