History of Alvin First Christian Church
In October of 1883, a dozen men and women came together to form the congregation of First Christian Church. Under the leadership of Major George W. Durant, a one-acre tract of land at the corner of Gordon and Adoue Streets was donated, along with lumber for the church building. Major Durant offered free room and board to anyone who would work on the new building. When completed, the “small box house” served the Christian Church as well as other denominations. As other congregations were able to build their own churches, the house was exclusively used by the Christian Church, until the hurricane of 1900 completely destroyed the church. Two lots were then bought at the corner of Taylor and Sidnor Streets from Mrs. Minnie Franks and a new church was constructed where the congregation worshipped for 64 years. In 1949 the sanctuary was remodeled and a stained-glass window picturing “Jesus as the Good Shepherd” was given by the England family. In 1963 several acres of land were purchased on Durant Street, the present location of the Church. The ground-breaking ceremony for the new sanctuary and Education Wing was in 1963, with the first service being held on October 10, 1964. The beautiful stained-glass window was removed and placed in the new building.
First Christian Church has become an important part of Alvin’s community over the past years. Our membership helped establish the “Meals on Wheels” program over 39 years ago, and provides land and many volunteers for the Alvin Community Food Pantry. There is much to celebrate and we pledge our continued faithful service to God in the years to come.
First Christian Church has become an important part of Alvin’s community over the past years. Our membership helped establish the “Meals on Wheels” program over 39 years ago, and provides land and many volunteers for the Alvin Community Food Pantry. There is much to celebrate and we pledge our continued faithful service to God in the years to come.
Pastor’s who have served
First Christian Church are:
First Christian Church are:
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Reverend Schuler 1883
Reverend McArthur 1883-1887 Reverend A. J. Bush 1887-1898 Reverend Lober 1895 Reverend Spicer 1895 Reverend H. F. Dunlavy 1896 Reverend Richard LeMay 1896 Reverend J. C. Mason 1897 Reverend G. S. Inman 1897 Reverend J. R. Crutchers 1897 Reverend J. W. Haywood 1898 Reverend W. H. Drummer 1906-1914 Reverend J. N. Murphy 1909 Reverend C. B. Knight 1910-1911 Reverend Frank Lanehart 1912 Reverend J. R. Brickett 1913 Reverend M. M. Blair 1914 Reverend A. E. Majors 1916-1917 Reverend B. D. Clark 1917-1919 Reverend F. A. Massey 1919 Reverend Fred Norris 1920-1921 Reverend R. A. Burrow 1925-1926 Reverend A.E. Burns 1930-1947 (The “Walking Preacher”) Reverend Burton Johnson 1928 Reverend G. M. Eastman 1929 |
Reverend A. E. Burns 1930-1947
Reverend Everett Burden 1947 Dr. Carter Boren 1948-1950 Reverend Kent Newman 1951 Reverend Troy Plunk 1952-1954 Reverend Alvin Ball 1954-1956 Reverend Neil Guy 1956 Reverend E. W. Gearhart 1957-1959 Reverend Roemer Hudler 1959-1967 Reverend Grady Guyton 1967 Reverend Joe Whitmer 1968-1969 Reverend Dayle Schnelle 1970-1981 Reverend John Wilds(Interim) 1982 Reverend Darrell Evans 1982-1985 Reverend John Wilds 1986-1990 Dr.William Morris 1990-1992 Reverend Grant Berry(Interim) 1992-1993 Reverend Dale Walling 1993-1998 Dr. Jimmy Brown(Interim) 1998-1999 Reverend Todd Williams 1999-2002 Reverend Lew Wiggs 2002-2003 (Transitional Minister) Reverend Paul Lowe 2003-2010 Reverend Charles Smith 2010-2015 Reverend June Stoker 2015-2018 Reverend Loretta Smith 2018-2024 |