Elliott Centennial, 1879 - 1979

Elliott Centennial Committee

 
Page 33 - 34

 

 

   ELLIOTT CHURCH OF CHRIST

 

 

    The Elliott Church of Christ came into existence as an independent congregation about 1880, an outgrowth of several different congregations throughout the surrounding country.

    The Church group met in homes, over a livery stable and in a little church building formerly owned by the United Presbyterian Church. May 3, 1886 they purchased four lots one block south of where the Phillips 66 Station is now located. Around 1900 - 1901 they built their first church building in Elliott. Their membership grew so rapidly that by Jan. 25, 1911 the property was sold.

    In May 1911, four lots were purchased at the west end of the business district on Main Street.  The large brick building erected had a seating capacity of close to 1000. All the windows and the large dome were of Art-Glass. Two huge windows depict "The Holy City" and "The Garden of Gethsemane."

    Dedication Services were held Feb. 3 and 4, 1912. Farmers scooped many miles so their families could attend. On Sunday morning, the Burlington Railroad ran a special train, bringing 90 from the Red Oak Christian Church and the Stennett Vicinity and returned them home at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Records show that around 500 were served at the noon hour. The $23,000 church (including lots) was dedicated debt-free. The following two weeks, evangelistic services were held with an average attendance of 625.

    Since 1969, the church auditoriums and basement walls have been paneled and wall to wall carpet has been laid on the main floor of the building.

    The parsonage, one block south of the church, was purchased Nov. 30, 1920 for $6000. It has also been remodeled and carpet has been laid.

    The church building is still in use today and at this time is seeking a full-time minister.

    We are proud of our heritage, but should always remember that the Church, like the family tree, will be better remembered for the fruit it bears than for its buried roots.

 

ELLIOTT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

 

     A group of seventeen Elliott Christian citizens remained after a meeting at the school house on April 24, 1881, to form a Church. Eleven cast ballots with ten for Congregational and one for Presbyterian. From this meeting ten charter members agreed to organize into a Christian Society known as Congregational Church of Elliott.

     Another meeting was held at Stennett hall in Elliott, Aug. 3, 1881 to complete organization. They built up their membership steadily until 1901, mentioning 57 active members.

     When they decided to quit Jan. 1, 1910, they were a group of twenty active members. They sold their church building and lots May 15, 1910 to the Elliott M. E. Church for $1030.00 reserving their bell, pulpit, organ and Bible.

     The 900# bell, that they had purchased in 1894 and so proudly built a tower for, they gave to the city of Elliott on June 9, 1910 to continue using as the fire bell. The city built a 25 ft. steel tower on the adjoining engine house for the bell.

 

 

ELLIOTT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 

    

   

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