What's in a name?
One of the first questions many people ask is Where does the name 'Lower Lights' come from?  The name is actually derived from a famous hymn written by Philip Bliss in the late 1800s. He was inspired by a sermon by D.L. Moody he heard while living in Chicago. In the sermon, Moody narrated a story about a ship that was trying to find Cleveland harbor in the midst of a storm at night.

The captain could see the lighthouse. As he drew near, he shouted to the lighthouse keeper, "Is this Cleveland?" The lighthouse keeper shouted back, "Quite true, sir." The captain asked, "Where are the lower lights?" The lighthouse keeper said, "They have gone out. Can you make the harbor?" The captain replied, "We must, or we will perish!"
Courageously, the captain attempted to navigate to shore, but missed the channel and crashed into the rocks.  Many of the crew died because the lower lights had gone out.

Yesterday to Present
Conceived initially by the people of Bellows Avenue Church of the Nazarene, Lower Lights Ministries, Inc., (LLM) was officially incorporated in 1991 by Pastors Dave and Kathleen Jane Fulks as a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center. The organization was established as a response to the overwhelming social needs of the Franklinton neighborhood in west Columbus.

From 1991 to 2001, LLM focused on service to women and children, particularly single mothers and domestic violence victims in Franklinton. In early days, local children and youth participated in Friday Night Frenzy, a high-energy outreach event that combined adult fellowship, games and activities with spiritual training.  Food, clothing, and personal care pantries were created to help provide basic necessities to underprivileged families.

The ministry expanded in 2001 to include the Lower Lights Christian Health Center (LLCHC) led by Dana Vallangeon, M.D. in response to the growing medical needs of the underserved Franklinton community.