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First Christian Church celebrates centennial Sunday

April 23, 2009|Rachel Parsons

After hopping around different churches throughout central Kentucky, in 1958, Cecil Walson discovered the congregation that finally drew him in. An invitation from a friend got him to try First Christian Church one Sunday and more than 50 years later, he can still be found in the pews every week.

"I went to churches all over Clark County, Montgomery County and Fayette County," Walson said. Then he experienced First Christian: "I was impressed."

Apparently, a lot of people are impressed because this Sunday, First Christian will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its current building, located on the corner of Highland and Hickman streets. After a fire destroyed the previous building on Court Street in March 1908, church members moved to the Hickman Street location, where they have been gathering ever since.

The congregation was formed in 1791 in the Strode Station area as Strodes Fork Church and has had several incarnations since then, including a brief stint as a Baptist church and a few name changes. What has remained the same, however, is the church's commitment to the community, and providing what members consider a traditional worship service.

"It's rooted in the community, there's no doubt about that," Walson said. "The church activities and functions haven't changed that much. It's been pretty consistent. I find the church to be very outgoing and passionate, not just with its own congregation, but with the community and beyond."

The congregation hopes to see a lot of community members supporting them at the anniversary celebration, beginning at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Allen Garneu and Dr. Terry Elkins will be speaking, and a potluck lunch will follow the service.

For deacon and lifelong member Susan Hubbard, the anniversary is particularly meaningful because her family has been involved with the church for several generations.

"My family's gone there since 1938. I grew up in Winchester. I just really enjoy it," Hubbard said.

At one point, Hubbard and Walson said that the church had as many as 1,200 members, but that has dropped off in recent years and they approximate the current membership at 400. It is a diverse group, made up of people raised in different faiths and from different backgrounds.

"Our membership is made up of former Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, everything. Our only doctrine is the Bible. You're free to disagree with the preacher. It's OK. You can disagree with the person sitting beside you, and it's still OK," Walson said.

There is also a lot of caring within the church. Walson said that the church provided him tremendous support when he underwent heart surgery, something he thinks has been true for most members in difficult situations.

"There's a lot of love and concern in the church for other members. It's amazing, the outpouring," Walson said.

Neither Walson nor Hubbard sees any reason why the church cannot continue to serve in the community for another 100 years.

"I hope in 100 years we're still ministering to the needs of Winchester and Clark County," Hubbard said.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.

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