HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Picture 1998: "Building before its' Renovation")

The history of a church is in its people. Members of Disciples congregations from northern states first gathered for fellowship in the kitchen of Sue A. Brown. From that group Central was chartered on September 7th 1919. The charter was for Central Church of Christ. It was believed that this name was chosen because the church was on Ninth Street, which was called Central Street in those days. The place of worship has evolved through the decades beginning with the first place of worship being at the Library Building, then to a chapel on Park Street (now fourth street), Women’s Club where they met for several years until July 6, 1936, when our present location property at 926 15th Street West was purchased. Meeting in a house on that property for 5 years, in 1941, a Sanctuary was erected. A Fellowship Hall was built shortly after that and an education unit was built and dedicated in 1955. That Sanctuary was remodeled in 1964 and rededicated on October 25, 1964. The nursery building was dedicated on June 5, 1966. The Chapel/Office complex was completed in 1974. Our first minister for whom there is recorded information was Rev. John K. Henry. We have been served by a succession of lay leaders and ministers who have kept our congregation involved and related to the mission of our District, Region and the General church. The church went through a major renovation starting November 1999. The Sanctuary, Office, Fellowship Hall and Kitchen went through an extensive remodeling. It was completed September 2000. First service was held in its newly renovated Sanctuary October 2000. The church was dedicated by Rev. William Morrison, our Regional Minister, Dec. 17, 2000, during the ministry of Rev. Jean C. Elmore. The current pastor of the church is Rev. Heather M. Robertson. As we continue seeking to be God's people in this place, we are strengthened in the conviction that we are ONE in Jesus Christ.