144-Year-Old Wells County Church Revitalized to Serve as a Community Hub

WELLS COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA) – A historic Wells County church, standing for nearly a century and a half, has undergone a thoughtful transformation to become a welcoming space for the entire community.

A Vision for Revival

Tracy Goetz, the new owner of the 144-year-old St. Paul’s Church located at 1621 West 300 North in rural Bluffton, recalls her initial encounter with the building:

“It started by me driving by and seeing this beautiful church. Then, it came up for sale, and I knew I wanted to look at it. I came in by myself, and the second I walked in, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I wanted to bring it back to life,” said Goetz.

Constructed in 1880 and preceded by the original church built in 1857, St. Paul’s holds deep historical roots in the community. Goetz purchased the property in June 2024, committing to preserving its heritage while making modern upgrades.

historic church, Wells County,

Restoring History with Care

From June to December, the church underwent extensive renovations designed to honor its architectural legacy.

“Everything just needed updating, but we wanted the church looking as original as it possibly could,” Goetz explained.

While the church will not hold regular worship services, its purpose has evolved into a versatile venue for personal and community events. Renamed Perfect Harmony, the space aims to bring people together in a joyful and inclusive environment.

A Space for All

Goetz has a simple rule for visitors:

“The only rule is when you walk in, you have to be happy. It’s our happy place.”

Perfect Harmony is already hosting open houses to welcome the community, inviting them to tour the space and enjoy refreshments. Open houses are scheduled for Saturdays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Engaging the Community

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Goetz described the outpouring of support:

“I love them, and they love me right back!”

For those unable to attend open houses, updates on Perfect Harmony and its events can be found on Facebook. Contact can also be made via email at perfectharmony1880@gmail.com

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