Middle Davids began as a discussion over Thanksgiving weekend in 2002. David Catlin, a semi-retired pastor who had made candles as gifts for family and friends for more than thirty years, and his son Dan, who was contemplating leaving his corporate career to become a pastor, were discussing and dreaming. The idea was to see whether they could turn a much loved hobby into something that would provide a bit of income to allow them to spend more time doing what mattered most in their lives.

Our workshop (2007-09) next door to David's house outside of MartinsvilleBoth David and Dan are outdoorsmen from farm country, and the idea of making candle wax from a renewable agricultural resource instead of paraffin (which is a petrochemical that comes from oil), was appealing. So they made a few samples and asked anyone who was willing to help choose their first fragrances. The original market was eBay and a local craft store in Wilmington, Illinois, but they quickly realized the potential for non-profit fundraising. So many fundraisers take advantage of customers by offering a far over-priced product that doesn't really bring in a fair profit to the organization. In early 2003, we found our first fundraising customer, People to People Student Ambassadors, and they've been with us ever since.

Every year we've tried to add an improvement or two, and every year we've sold a few more candles than the year before. Over that time, we've moved from stovetop pans to two 100 pound wax melters, and a storefront and workshop in downtown Franklin, Indiana where we host tours and share the work of other artists we know and appreciate.  We've spent many hours together that we might not have in the hustle and bustle of everyday life if it weren't for our candles. David is now almost fully-retired, serving as a volunteer at a church Southwest of Indianapolis and helping in the shop a couple days a week. Dan has been serving as Pastor of Church Becoming in Franklin, IN, since early 2007. Making candles has become just what we hoped it would be - more than a hobby that gives us enjoyable time together and helps make it possible for us to do the work we really love to do.

Oh, about the name: David's given first name is Arthur, after his father and grandfather, but he's always been called David. Dan's middle name is David. So both of us are "middle" Davids. Makes sense to us.  Pictured at left in a photo taken in 1968 and published in the Galesburg, Illinois newspaper: Arthur David holding son Daniel David, Arthur Catlin (b. 1901), Ernest Catlin (b.1878) and A. Dale (b.1922).

We sure hope you enjoy our candles, and would love to meet you if we get the chance. Feel free to introduce yourself.

"For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness."

-- Psalm 18:28