"By The Grace of God" 100 Year Anniversary
October 19, 2007
By John Ludlum
PublisherOctober 12-14, 2007 marks the 100th year celebration of the First Christian Church, 2101 North Main, Del Rio, Texas, and members proclaim that it is "By God’s Grace" the church has continued for so many years. Since 1907, the First Christian Church of Del Rio has served the spiritual needs for many area citizens of Del Rio and Val Verde County. Having survived fire, tornados and time, church members are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the church’s first 100 years with many joyous planned activities.
Founded in March of 1907, the first services were conducted in a tent located at the southeast corner of East Garfield and Pecan. Since its' organization in 1907, the First Christian Church has had four homes. The first building was of red brick construction and was dedicated in January, 1914. That building burned in 1921. A temporary structure was erected after the fire and was used until completion of a third building in 1925. The building still stands at the corner of Garfield and Pecan Streets. The building built in 1925 served the congregation until the early 1960s.
In 1961 the congregation purchased 10.4 acres of land at their current North Main address and on December 16, 1962, the dedication of their new and current church was held with Dr. Tilford T. Swearingen delivered the dedicatory message. A tornado in May of 1962 did substantial damage to the church under construction but members viewed that as a challenge, not a setback.
Minister John Cary, on behalf of the deacons and church members, extends an invitation to all who wish to attend the 100th celebration of the church. He said, "'Christian’ means followers of Christ and that is the message of this church. Sitting on top of the highest area in Del Rio, we hope our church is a beacon and light for all in our community. Everyone is welcome to attend our church. We minister not only to our area but also contribute to outreach mission's world wide."
Cary, a graduate of Eagle Pass High School and a 1972 graduate of Dallas Christian College comes from a family of missionaries. His parents, Harland, 91 and Frances, 89, still reside in the Eagle Pass area. Cary has been Pastor of the First Christian Church since October of 2000.
The Fred Knoll family attends the First Christian Church and Kathy Knoll, a member of the congregation, feels very strongly about the First Christian Church. She said, "It [First Christian Church] is a very friendly, family oriented church which has open prayer requests, a laid back atmosphere, excellent children’s choir, joyful singing, wonderful Bible sermons and an all are welcome. You just feel welcome the minute you first walk in. There are lots’ of hugs given."
Deacons include Bill White, Mission/Outreach; Lonnie Ricks, Administration; Jackie Heath, Worship; Andy Dayton, Membership; Curt Fox, Fellowship; Russell Stidham, Education; and Brandon Spencer, Facilities.
Debbie Stidham, Chairperson for the 100th celebration extends an invitation to all Del Rio and Val Verde County citizens. A full slate of activities planned at the church, 2101 N. Main; begin Friday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. when an Open House will be held at the Fellowship Hall with refreshments being served.
Saturday, October 13, dinner at the Fellowship Hall will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a "Singspiration." The song fest will include many old as well as new hymns. If you wish a favorite hymn sung during the Singspiration, please contact Cathy Fox the church office, 775-3433 or by Fax, 774-3233 and let the her know favorite selections you wish included in the congregation participation singing program. Adult plates for the dinner are $10.00, child’s plate, ages 6-9, is $5.00 and for 5 and under there is no charge. Please RSVP by October 5, 2007 at 775-3433.
Sunday, October 14th a breakfast will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. with a worship service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Cary advised that guest speakers for the activities will include Carrell Sill, Peter Hall and Graves Francis.
The nursery is available for all church functions. Regardless of your church home, come one and come all and enjoy our celebration is the message of The First Christian Church for their 100th Year Celebration. All members of the church are encouraged to bring stories, old photos and letters pertaining to the church members and church history. In addition, please contact the church office at (830) 775-3433 with any information on former church members.
By John Ludlum
PublisherOctober 12-14, 2007 marks the 100th year celebration of the First Christian Church, 2101 North Main, Del Rio, Texas, and members proclaim that it is "By God’s Grace" the church has continued for so many years. Since 1907, the First Christian Church of Del Rio has served the spiritual needs for many area citizens of Del Rio and Val Verde County. Having survived fire, tornados and time, church members are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the church’s first 100 years with many joyous planned activities.
Founded in March of 1907, the first services were conducted in a tent located at the southeast corner of East Garfield and Pecan. Since its' organization in 1907, the First Christian Church has had four homes. The first building was of red brick construction and was dedicated in January, 1914. That building burned in 1921. A temporary structure was erected after the fire and was used until completion of a third building in 1925. The building still stands at the corner of Garfield and Pecan Streets. The building built in 1925 served the congregation until the early 1960s.
In 1961 the congregation purchased 10.4 acres of land at their current North Main address and on December 16, 1962, the dedication of their new and current church was held with Dr. Tilford T. Swearingen delivered the dedicatory message. A tornado in May of 1962 did substantial damage to the church under construction but members viewed that as a challenge, not a setback.
Minister John Cary, on behalf of the deacons and church members, extends an invitation to all who wish to attend the 100th celebration of the church. He said, "'Christian’ means followers of Christ and that is the message of this church. Sitting on top of the highest area in Del Rio, we hope our church is a beacon and light for all in our community. Everyone is welcome to attend our church. We minister not only to our area but also contribute to outreach mission's world wide."
Cary, a graduate of Eagle Pass High School and a 1972 graduate of Dallas Christian College comes from a family of missionaries. His parents, Harland, 91 and Frances, 89, still reside in the Eagle Pass area. Cary has been Pastor of the First Christian Church since October of 2000.
The Fred Knoll family attends the First Christian Church and Kathy Knoll, a member of the congregation, feels very strongly about the First Christian Church. She said, "It [First Christian Church] is a very friendly, family oriented church which has open prayer requests, a laid back atmosphere, excellent children’s choir, joyful singing, wonderful Bible sermons and an all are welcome. You just feel welcome the minute you first walk in. There are lots’ of hugs given."
Deacons include Bill White, Mission/Outreach; Lonnie Ricks, Administration; Jackie Heath, Worship; Andy Dayton, Membership; Curt Fox, Fellowship; Russell Stidham, Education; and Brandon Spencer, Facilities.
Debbie Stidham, Chairperson for the 100th celebration extends an invitation to all Del Rio and Val Verde County citizens. A full slate of activities planned at the church, 2101 N. Main; begin Friday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. when an Open House will be held at the Fellowship Hall with refreshments being served.
Saturday, October 13, dinner at the Fellowship Hall will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a "Singspiration." The song fest will include many old as well as new hymns. If you wish a favorite hymn sung during the Singspiration, please contact Cathy Fox the church office, 775-3433 or by Fax, 774-3233 and let the her know favorite selections you wish included in the congregation participation singing program. Adult plates for the dinner are $10.00, child’s plate, ages 6-9, is $5.00 and for 5 and under there is no charge. Please RSVP by October 5, 2007 at 775-3433.
Sunday, October 14th a breakfast will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. with a worship service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Cary advised that guest speakers for the activities will include Carrell Sill, Peter Hall and Graves Francis.
The nursery is available for all church functions. Regardless of your church home, come one and come all and enjoy our celebration is the message of The First Christian Church for their 100th Year Celebration. All members of the church are encouraged to bring stories, old photos and letters pertaining to the church members and church history. In addition, please contact the church office at (830) 775-3433 with any information on former church members.
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Loved the story about First
Loved the story about First Christian! My grandparents raised my mother and me both in that church - my grandmother used to say, "The doors never opened, but what we were there!" Some of my most wonderful memories were of Mrs. Flynt, Mrs. Roll, the Sprowls, and so many, many more! My grandparents were, I'm sure, in the picture from 1925 - I would love to have a copy of it! That little church was such a part of their lives - and mine. Thanks so much for a wonderful story!