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Central Church of Christ Denison, Texas Denison
Herald
1972 CHURCH OF CHRIST STARTED HERE IN 1889, EXPANDED THREE TIMES The Church of Christ began in Denison in 1889 when a group withdrew from the Christian Church and formed a church after instrumental music was introduced in the congregation. Since that time the growing membership has necessitated three separate churches, one on Armstrong avenue, another at Mirick and Crawford, and the third on West Morton. The introduction of instrumental music at the Christian Church was considered too progressive by some of the elders, including Charles Parish and Dr. and Mrs. Williams. The group headed by these elders leased a building at 801 West Owings which was owned by St. Joseph's Catholic Church. After the building was sold, the congregation met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Parish, 730 West Morgan, until membership outgrew the quarters. Another meeting place was established at 430 West Morgan. A lot at Armstrong and Hull was purchased in 1907 and the first Church of Christ building was erected. It was a small frame building that was remodeled and expanded 10 years later at a cost of about $17,000. The congregation met there and grew in numbers, reaching about 350 persons. A fire destroyed the church Feb. 14, 1942. The congregation held its worship then at the American Legion building until a new building project could be started. The congregation, however, divided on the matter of a site, some choosing a more central location at 601 West Crawford and others remaining at the Armstrong and Hull location. In 1943 a lot was purchased at Mirick and Crawford and a building erected - but not without difficulty. The second World War was in progress and the congregation failed to get priority on building materials. Members refused to accept defeat and bought old houses and barns until enough building material could be salvaged to erect a church. The first services were held in the Central Church of Christ in 1944 with Austin Siebert as minister. The Armstrong congregation encountered the same building material difficulties as the Central congregation. Under the ministerial guidance of Leland Alton, who also was a carpenter-contractor, some materials were granted under government priority, and the work was tackled by the members themselves. The church was dedicated August 6, 1944. It cost about $18,000 but had no pews and several areas were unfinished due to a lack of materials. In 1955 the church was remodeled at a cost of approximately $50,000 with the addition of an educational building and classrooms. Tne years later a still larger expansion was completed, increasing the total value to about $300,000. A 1971-1972 report listed the oldest members as Mrs. Myrtle Shiflett and Mrs. Drucilla WIlliams. The 1971-1972 elders are Argalis Anderson, A.F. Hoover, Robert E. Monroe, Chester Walker and Ira T. Wright. The Central Church of Christ also progressed from its trying beginning. The first building constructed during World War II was remodeled extensively in 1962, after several previous smaller building projects. A new auditorium and classrooms were added and the building remodeled to give it a seating capacity for 480 persons. Membership is about 300 currently. The church parsonage was moved from 1327 West Chestnut to 1916 West Acheson. Paul Reddin came to the church as minister in 1970. The first elders were J.H. Kent, F.W. Irwin and A.P. Sims. A 1971-1972 report listed Irwin as the oldest member. The 1972 elders included H.R. Ballou, Hubert Sweet, J.B. Holland, and S.W. Womack. The two congregations continued to grow until a third church was selected at 1732 West Morton in 1955. Sponsored by the Armstrong and Central churches, the building of the Morton Street Church of Christ was completed and in a short time had its own congregation of 150 members. Johnny Jackson was the first minister. Ronald D. Henson came to the Morton Street Church in 1970. The Morton Street Church has a seating capacity for about 250 persons and 21 classrooms as a result of the last remodeling. Its total value is well above $50,000 construction cost. The 1972 board of elders includes Austin Mitchell, Tommy Pickerell and Lyle Yeargin. Together the Churches of Christ reach into the mission.... Churches Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |