HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

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 Central Street in those days, but is now known as 9^th Street West.

The place of worship has evolved through the decades beginning with the first place of worship being at the Library Building. Then, Central went to a Chapel on Park Street (now 4^th Street West) in the Women’s Club. There,  they met for several years until July 6, 1936, when our presently located property at 926 15th Street West was purchased. The congregation met in a house on that property for 5 years prior to the Sanctuary being erected in 1941. The Fellowship Hall was built shortly after that. An education unit was added and dedicated in 1955.

That Sanctuary was remodeled in 1964 and rededicated on October 25, 1964. The nursery building was added and then dedicated on June 5, 1966. The Chapel/Front Office complex was completed in 1974. The Front Office is presently being used as a Day Center for the “Family Promise of Manatee County”.

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 Disciples of Christ 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. Bill Hull who succeeds Rev. Heather 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. We welcome you to join us as we continue to grow.