History of the Overflowing Cup

Part I: In the Beginning

The Overflowing Cup started as a Coffeehouse on April 19, 1974, next to Domenico's Pizza at 534 East Grand Avenue in downtown Beloit. Since 1974 more than 1000 different groups have performed at The Overflowing Cup. This includes local artists such as Jeff Coan, Tom Mathy, John Reints, The Richmond Brothers and a young Christian Rock Group called PROPHET. In addition to local artists, many nationally known artists played at The Overflowing Cup including Resurrection Band, John Michael Talbot, GLAD, Servant, Soul Purpose and Randy Matthews, sometimes called the Grandfather of Christian Rock 'n Roll.

There was no generation gap at the height of it's popularity. The Coffee House was a popular hangout for young and old alike to gather in the '70s and '80s. People came from far and near to enjoy a night of wholesome activities including concerts, movies and "open" nights when amateurs and local talented artists would share the stage. Many have dedicated their lives to Christ and some have gone into full-time Christian service around the world. Others, who were teen-agers in the '70s have come back to serve on the staff of the ministry.

Part II: Ministry in Motion

The Coffee House has sustained several moves in the past years. It opened on April 19, 1974, in a small storefront building at 534 East Grand Avenue in Beloit, Wisconsin.

In 1976 the "Cup" moved from 534 East Grand Avenue to the old YMCA at 512 Public Avenue. This was an exciting move because God gave favor with the owners and rented it to The Overflowing Cup for $1.00 per year. The building was built in 1915 and was ideally suited for the ministry. It had 61 sleeping rooms, a gymnasium and a swimming pool. The gym had a running track and was converted to an auditorium for concerts and other activities.

It seemed like the ministry would eventually own the property and did occupy it for five years. But then politics came into play and the owner GAVE the building to the City of Beloit who later tore it down and made a parking lot. Guess what - now the ministry who had reached out to the homeless and those in need, was homeless itself.

For the next six weeks, the coffee house concerts were held in the auditorium of the Open Bible Church. During that time in the fall of 1981, The Overflowing Cup purchased the old Jupiter Store building at 334 East Grand Avenue and began renovation. It was the original Kresge (K-Mart) building built in 1921. This building had 22,000 square feet and was located in the most desirable area of downtown, on top of the Rock River in the very heart of the city. The storefront needed work and over the next 15 years many volunteer hours and labors of love were invested in the property. In 1984, The Overflowing Cup adopted the Harbor For The Homeless and moved it into the building. In 1985, church services were started on a regular basis and a new dimension of ministry took place. Again, the ministry was prepared to stay in that location until Jesus returns BUT apparently God had other plans.

In September of 1995, the Beloit City Manager called Dave and Pat Fogderud inviting them to lunch. He told them that a company was coming to town and planned to hire 100 people but that they wouldn't come unless they could have their building. Even though there were no plans to move, Dave and Pat began negotiating with the City of Beloit and several weeks later the City offered $550,000 cash for the property. This was their last offer and they were in the process of forcing The Overflowing Cup out using the law of eminent domain. This action by the City nearly destroyed the ministry of The Overflowing Cup and the Harbor For The Homeless.

After the sale of the Jupiter building, many people stopped supporting the ministry and thought that they had closed permanently. But not so - three other facilities were purchased to accommodate the ministry of The Overflowing Cup and the Harbor For The Homeless.

A former group home at 1816 Harrison Avenue was purchased to house the homeless shelter. A church building at 4242 S. Chippendale Avenue was purchased and became the corporate headquarters as well as the Coffee House and Church facility. Then a large warehouse was purchased to accomplish the move and function as a donations distribution center. The Rags To Riches Donations Distribution Center which was operated by the ministry had to be closed down and the building at 310 State Street was used during the transition for storage and later became a Youth Center and Coffee House.

Again, the ministry was prepared to stay in these new locations until Jesus returns. But once again, God was preparing the ministry for another change. It became too far, even with a bus, to transport people from downtown to the church in the country. So a search was begun for another building in downtown Beloit.

In December of 1997, God brought a buyer for the church in the country and the large warehouse, making it possible to purchase another building in downtown Beloit. On April 1, 1998, The Overflowing Cup Total Life Center purchased 306 State Street. During all of this transition, The Overflowing Cup continued to operate Transitional Housing, a Christian Discipleship Program for both men and women. For nearly eight years, The Overflowing Cup also developed and operated the Janesville Total Life Center, which pioneered the ministry to the homeless in Janesville.

Part III: The Ministry Today

Inspite of all the turmoil, opposition and change and after being forced out of downtown in 1995, The Overflowing Cup has "Hung in there" and not given up. The "Cup" has staged a comeback with emphasis on youth and reaching young people for Christ. Now you can enjoy concerts EVERY Friday night at 8:00 p.m. and radical worship and solid Bible teaching on Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. Plus, a Praise and Worship night on Thursdays starting at 7:00 p.m. So if you have a prayer request, or just feel like making some noise for the Lord, you are more than welcome to participate.

In 1997 it was decided to rename the Coffee House division of The Overflowing Cup, JOSIAH'S PLACE Coffee House, named after Josiah David Price. Josiah is the son of Randy and Kathy Price and grandson of Dave and Pat Fogderud. At 3 years old, Josiah was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor on his brain stem. The Coffee House was named in honor of Josiah because it was felt that Josiah is representative of the young people in our community and society and that we must invest time and other resources into the youth of this generation. Click here to see the website dedicated to telling the story of Josiah Price.

**Note: If anyone out there has any pictures of the Cup's past, please get in touch with me (see the CONTACT page) so that I may add them to the website.