The First Christian Church building work began in 1925 and was completed in 1926.

Our building, which remains in use today, was totally paid for by the time it was completed. Included in the new building was the “Old School” Presbyterian Church bell which has been in the Presbyterian Church building at the corner of Rose Avenue and West Dyer Street. The Presbyterian Church building was demolished by high winds and the bell was given to the First Christian Church.

Dedication services for the new church building were held on March 21, 1926. A day of continuous services celebrated the opening of the neo-gothic building which was designed by J. Woodruff of Fort Worth. Also dedicated at that time was a pipe organ built by Henry Pilcher and Sons of Louisville, KY. The organ, a gift of Mr. and Mrs. B.S. Walker in memory of their daughter, Gladys, was used in services until the 2000’s.

Evangelist George L. Smuely assisted S. J. Shettlesworth, pastor, throughout the day. A feature of the ceremonies was the address of Judge Charles E. Combes, a well-known frontier lawyer, on “The Old Days.”

Charles H. Clark was chairman of the church board when the new building was constructed and B. S. Walker was chairman of the building committee. Other members of the committee included: M.E. Daniel, vice chairman, W.C. Veale, Jack R. Robert, Clark and Wood Jones.

The 100th year celebration will be held in 2026. Elaine Moore and Richard Sorell will head up the committee for this wonderful milestone!