History of the Chillicothe Church of Christ

In the early 1800's Barton Stone and others were making an impact in Kentucky for people to return to Bible Christianity. As early as 1837 some involved in this movement came to Missouri and settled here in Chillicothe. It became a town with a movement that impacted Missouri and the rest of their faith and helped begin and strengthened the early church. Records as early as 1843-1850 show a church group of up to 78 existing here. Early preachers were Thomas Thompson and J. S. Allen. As these men moved on, John Carter continued their work as he became Chillicothe’s first permanent minister from 1844-1850. These years saw the church experience great struggles, yet it continued to grow. When T. P. Haley came to town in 1853, he helped spark a renewal of fervor and baptized men who became the leadership of the church in the 1850 - 1860's. Benjamin Edrington and J. Crawford became the first elders, with James Hutchison and Stillman Mansure the first deacons. The preachers strengthened the church at a time when it was an infant needing to mature to become autonomous. By 1856 the church had grown to need a building, so construction began on the corner of Clay and Washington for $2000. Between 1857-1860 the church grew, with a summer revival and a visit by T. M. Allen. Other popular preachers came through to encourage the growing church. Men like Alexander Campbell in 1859, Moses E. Lard, Ben Franklin and J. W. McGarvey in 1860 spoke and were well received. The years between 1860-1870 were turbulent in American history. For Christians the issue of slavery and engaging in war stretched the bonds of unity in the churches of Christ as well. The church here in Chillicothe became one of the many to speak out on these issues. The church continued to teach and grow, continuing to meet regularly during the war. After 1864 the term Christian church began to be used more often. In 1866 the congregation was involved in unity meetings, and by the next year the building had to be enlarged to accommodate growth. “Raccoon” John Smith of Kentucky came for a meeting to strengthen and to encourage the congregation. From 1870-1890 the church began to concentrate on evangelism and mission work. The Christian Women’s Missionary Society of Chillicothe was first organized in 1883, and the emphasis on missions and evangelism was passed down to the children. In 1888 the church had the largest Sunday school in the county. The congregation had again outgrown their facility, and in 1889 built there second building for $10,000. In 1892 L. A. Boyer held a five-week gospel meeting which was a great event and was well received, with 118 baptisms. By 1896 the membership was 585, with over a hundred added the next year. The church continued to grow; however there was a considerable change. There were many more boards, societies and clubs than in the early years. The State Missionary Society had a strong influence at the turn of the century. Instrumental music was discussed and by 1892 an organ was being used in the worship. The church became known more and more as the Christian church. These changes proved to be too much for some members and in 1910 the church of Christ began to worship separately. In 1911 Floyd M. Edwards held a tent meeting and the congregation grew by 22 members. By 1914 land was purchased, and a new meeting house that would seat 200 people was started in the spring of 1916. During these years (1890-1915) the results of a past emphasis on evangelism were reflected. The teaching and organizations produced a solid foundation on which to expand and to reach out. During these years many men led and influenced the movement in Chillicothe. Some were preachers, some were writers and some were members living their faith daily lives. In March 1945 the matter of a new building location was discussed. Those speaking out for the new facility were Bill Wigfield, Russell Potter and Pearl Bailey. Art and Mayford Freemen agreed that something should be done and a modest-sized building was considered. Russell Potter, Ernest Harvey, Archie Bailey, Bill Wigfield and Pearl Bailey were appointed as a committee to see what could be done about materials and a location. In 1951 the new meeting house was built at 308 Elm Street. The first addition was built in 1970. Then, in 1979, a larger educational wing was added to take care of the growing bus ministry.