Home - ICHTHYS House

ICHTHYS - (ik' this), the Greek word for fish, is the acronym of the initial letters of the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." It has been a significant symbol of Christian faith and hospitality ever since the early days of the church.

ICHTHYS House is located at the edge of the Earlham College campus, across the street from the Earlham School of Religion. It is a home, full of the cozy things of home -- books, a well-stocked cookie jar, people to talk to, a piano and guitar, TV, comfortable furniture -- and it's open to everyone!

Nightly worship (9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year) is the heart of the House ministry. This nightly half-hour time is for prayer, for meditation, for sharing, and for intercession. The worship is followed by visiting, snacking and singing, for as long as anyone wants to stay. The nightly worship celebrated its 30th year in September 2006!

ICHTHYS House is a ministry that serves people who are often widely divergent in ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. Its inspiration is Christian -- centered in Jesus Christ -- and is wide open to anyone who wants to come, whatever his or her faith (or lack of it).

Clyde Johnson, the owner of the House, is a recorded minister of Indiana Yearly Meeting and a member of First Friends, Richmond. Now in his 80's, Clyde keeps in touch with students and worship attenders by mail, e-mail, phone and visits. He regularly audits classes, attends worship, meals and other campus activities, and enjoys religious gatherings, retreats and conferences.