First Christian Church celebrates 170 years of Service
Jan. 9—Families traveling from Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi during the 1800's had no idea the spiritual legacy they were planting when they settled in Huntsville.
This past Sunday, Dr. Zachary Doleshal, SHSU History Professor, provided an presentation on the history of the church and the founders to the members of First Christian Church.
"Dr. Doleshal gave us an incredible historical perspective of the church. We were reminded that the current location is not the original site. The old site is overgrown now with logging tracks," said Pastor Daniel Paul. "The actual date for the first service is Jan. 1 but we are celebrating Jan. 13-14 to highlight the 170 years of service. At 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, we will have a Hymnal Sing Along. The local organizations we partner with will give thanks to the church members for their support. A cobbler and ice cream social will follow."
The church was originally named Huntsville Church of God. Joseph Addison Clark is credited with laying the foundation for the initial church with 11 families.
Clark and his brother, Randolph Clark, also founded Texas Christian University. John Wilson Bush was named the resident Elder at that time.
The records reflect the congregation worshipped in various places until the late 1860s when Pastor Benton Sweeney and the members purchased a corner lot on 11th Street and Ave J in 1868.
A building was purchased from the Cumberland Presbyterians and it was moved to this lot.
The current location on 19th Street and Avenue R began construction in 1963 and was built in stages as the funds were available.
"There will be a historical room at the church showcasing old pictures and memorabilia reflecting the growth of the church," said Pastor Paul.
Pastor Paul arrived in Huntsville in November 2022, after serving 24 years at Christian Church of Pacific Grove, Calif.
"The origins of FCC is based in the Disciples of Christ which was founded in 1832, they hoped to bring together a number of religious groups that sought to restore first century Christianity, said Pastor Paul. "The movement of the Disciples of Christ began with the goal of being an American Christian Church, where faith meet reason. Our church is a place where people can lovingly disagree."
The highlight of the celebration will be 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. The Regional Pastor Andy Mangum will deliver the sermon and a reception will follow. The public is invited to all the scheduled events.
Pastor Paul said the leadership is also looking forward to define what the church's ministries will look like in 2024.
"How will our current programs and services grow," asked Pastor Paul. "We will continue our 'Church of the Wild' service on the second Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. This service is located in the Bird Sanctuary located next to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. This service is a combination of several local denominations and open to the public."
The Texas Historic Commission recognized the historical importance of First Christian Church to this area with a memorial marker in 1985.
