Central Christian Church
Disciples of Christ
206 West Central
Arkansas City, KS 67005
(620) 442-9500
Worship Schedule 8:45am Sunday School 10:00am One Worship Service
HISTORY
From the back page of the 1965 Pictorial Directory:
By 1967 we shall have marked 90 years of sacred history! In the year of 1877, when Arkansas City was but a 'wide place in the road', thirteen courageous men and women met at Parker School on a hill three miles east of Arkansas City to form the nucleus of the Christian Church. When the group continued to grow it was decided to find a meeting place in town, meeting first in a hall where the Burford Theater now stands and later in the First Ward School Building. Elder J.J. Broadbent, the first Pastor, with the faithful help of others succeeded in erecting the first church edifice. Its size was 28' by 40' and it cost $1800.00. To the people who dedicated this structure it was worth more in love and memories than a great cathedral.
Years of struggle and hardship are a part of the history. People were in and out of Arkansas City, and restlessness prevailed during the opening of the Oklahoma territory. Numerous additions to the Church during early revivals soon drifted with the tide of homeseekers to stake out their claim. Early ministers during these days included J.P. Witt, J.M. Monroe, W.J. Carter, J.M. Atwater, Professor Hendricks, J.F. Sloan, M.L. Blaney, W.E. Payne, and J.M. Williamson.
The heart of a loving pastor, M. Lee Sorey, brought together in 1899 the few scattered members. Within one year the membership had grown from 87 to 201 and the debts were paid. Following Mr. Sorey came C.C. Peck, E.E. Lowe, Thomas Popplewell, J.H. Henshaw and Garrett W. McQuiddy. During the ministry of Mr. McQuiddy efforts were begun for the erection of our present sanctuary. The foundation was laid in 1921, with cornerstone laying on June 2nd of that year. The project was not completed until 1923 and the credit must go to those faithful Christians who sacrificed and worked in happy anticipation of that moment. The scheduled dedication of June 10, 1923 was delayed by a rampaging Arkansas River, and finally took place in December with Dr. I.N. McCash of Phillips University bring the message.
Ministers to follow were C.D. Walker, Edwin Michael, Doyle Schmelle, Joe Detamore, Harold E. Enz, and Wendell Sack, the present minister. Mr. Walker served the longest of any -- from 1924 to 1942. The project of the present Education Building and Chapel was begun during the ministry of Joe Detamore and completed during the ministry of Harold E. Enz.
Ours is a rich history -- dating not alone back to 1877, but A.D. 33 and the day of Pentecost. The Central Christian Church of Arkansas City has an interesting and inspiring history. May we who now serve determine to pass on to succeeding generations this great heritage!
By 1967 we shall have marked 90 years of sacred history! In the year of 1877, when Arkansas City was but a 'wide place in the road', thirteen courageous men and women met at Parker School on a hill three miles east of Arkansas City to form the nucleus of the Christian Church. When the group continued to grow it was decided to find a meeting place in town, meeting first in a hall where the Burford Theater now stands and later in the First Ward School Building. Elder J.J. Broadbent, the first Pastor, with the faithful help of others succeeded in erecting the first church edifice. Its size was 28' by 40' and it cost $1800.00. To the people who dedicated this structure it was worth more in love and memories than a great cathedral.
Years of struggle and hardship are a part of the history. People were in and out of Arkansas City, and restlessness prevailed during the opening of the Oklahoma territory. Numerous additions to the Church during early revivals soon drifted with the tide of homeseekers to stake out their claim. Early ministers during these days included J.P. Witt, J.M. Monroe, W.J. Carter, J.M. Atwater, Professor Hendricks, J.F. Sloan, M.L. Blaney, W.E. Payne, and J.M. Williamson.
The heart of a loving pastor, M. Lee Sorey, brought together in 1899 the few scattered members. Within one year the membership had grown from 87 to 201 and the debts were paid. Following Mr. Sorey came C.C. Peck, E.E. Lowe, Thomas Popplewell, J.H. Henshaw and Garrett W. McQuiddy. During the ministry of Mr. McQuiddy efforts were begun for the erection of our present sanctuary. The foundation was laid in 1921, with cornerstone laying on June 2nd of that year. The project was not completed until 1923 and the credit must go to those faithful Christians who sacrificed and worked in happy anticipation of that moment. The scheduled dedication of June 10, 1923 was delayed by a rampaging Arkansas River, and finally took place in December with Dr. I.N. McCash of Phillips University bring the message.
Ministers to follow were C.D. Walker, Edwin Michael, Doyle Schmelle, Joe Detamore, Harold E. Enz, and Wendell Sack, the present minister. Mr. Walker served the longest of any -- from 1924 to 1942. The project of the present Education Building and Chapel was begun during the ministry of Joe Detamore and completed during the ministry of Harold E. Enz.
Ours is a rich history -- dating not alone back to 1877, but A.D. 33 and the day of Pentecost. The Central Christian Church of Arkansas City has an interesting and inspiring history. May we who now serve determine to pass on to succeeding generations this great heritage!
Front Cover of the 1965 Pictorial Directory
The Robert Arnett Family - 1965
The Mel Ferris Family - 1965
