The Christian church was organized June 6, 1873, by Elder Cary, with a small membership. Services were held in a hall and in private houses, and later in the Baptist church. In 1876 the Baptist and Christian people held services alternate Sundays. J. C. White ministered here and at Hopeville for several years beginning in 1876. He came by train and rode with the mail man when he went to Hopeville. It's thought a Brother Morris was the second preacher and a Mr. Branch was here around 1884. In 1891 the church had grown sufficiently strong to build a home for themselves and a large structure was erected on South Maple Ave. The church was dedicated by F. M. Rains. This building was used for 25 years. As time progressed and the congregation grew the decision was made to build a new church. Operations were begun and the corner stone laid April 6, 1916. The building was dedicated on Nov. 12, 1916. The new edifice cost $23,000. A gift of $1200 was made by Frank Bosserman for a pipe organ, which is still in use at the present time. Pastors and years of their serving are as follows: J, K. Cornell — around 1898. He was known as the "marrying preacher" because of the large number of ceremonies he performed. Jno. Gibson —1897-1901; W. W. Wharton-1901- Mr. Fowler about 1904; C. E. Pomeroy — about 1905; Bohanan — 1906; J. E. Teaney — 19111912; A. J. Carrick — 1912-1914; E. W. Killion — 1915-1917; P. G. Dennis — 1917-1919; Wm. Wikoff — 1919; Herman Olmsted — 1920; E. W. Bowers — 1920-1923; Loren Gans 19231924; Earl Clarke — 1925-1926; Karraker 1927-1929; Leslie Ross — 1930-1931; Lester Strubhar — 1932-1926; Robert Burns — 19371938; Cecil Murrow —1939; Ray Swartz —19401942; Everett Epperson —1942-1945; J, Williard Kerley — 1945-1947; Rex Turner — 1947; O. E. Richardson — 1947-1956; Walter Williams —1956-1968. The present membership of the church of Christ is 250.
The first Christian Church
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Church of Christ 1968
Tne pipe organ in the church. The cake was baked for Pentecostal Sunday and was served at a Church Birthday Social
Corner stone ceremony when the church was built in 1916
Interior of first Christian Church |
