FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

At the corner of  9^th and Jefferson

Wellington, Kansas

OUR HERITAGE

It was indeed a happy occasion on a Lord’s day in April  in the year 1884 When the Kansas State Charter of Organization was read before a little band of believers.  Though they were few in number they were strong in faith and believed in the simple Gospel’s power.  They had been meeting in the upper room of  J. T. Hickman’s place of business known as Hickman’s Hall.

As the young prairie town grew, the membership of the church also grew and plans were made to build a church building.   In the fall of 1884 a frame structure was dedicated on the Corner of 9^th and Jefferson  (our present location).   

The church made splendid progress during the next 25 years and it soon became apparent that a new and more commodious house was needed.   In the fall of 1908 a larger brick building  replacing our firsr house of worship was dedicated.  This met the needs of our congregation until the early 20’s  when it was replaced by our present structure at a cost of $100,000.00 and was dedicated on March 8, 1925.  A note of $10,000.00 of this amount was covered by a Wellington bank.  The boon days of then 20’s were over and a depression that tried the souls of men had set in and all that could be done was pay the interest on the loan and that done with difficulty.  At long last the tide turned and the economy began looking up, it was then through a “Love Gift” offering that the debt was finally paid.

At one time we had an East Side Christian Church.  This was built in 1920 and they say it was built  in a day.  There were approximately 100 members and they held their membership through the First Church.  Both congregation were served by the same minister.  After more families began getting automobiles, this church was closed, sold to a smaller congregation and moved to another location.

 After World War ll, the attendance grew by leaps and bounds and so back to the drawing board went the church leaders.  Funds were raised through pledges to build our Educational Building.  This was completed and dedicated in 1960 at a cost of $180,000.00  

 On May 27, 1892, a cyclone wrought a path of destruction through Wellington, but (according to a picture in The Wellington News)  our frame church, from all appearances, was left unscathed.  Thus, we have come through many storms during our 119 years and pray that with God’s help we are able to weather  any storm whether of the elements or manmade until the coming of Christ.

 Originally our sanctuary building had 99 windows and it has been said that the church was known as “The Church of Light.”  Today we are grateful and happy to be members of a church that can still be called “The Church of Light” for besides our regular programs of Worship, Bible Study, special groups for all ages and Church Growth, we open our doors to many other groups in our community

A few years ago we acquired the properties north of the church.  One dwelling was torn down to make space for more parking.  The remaining dwelling is now being used by the Christians Women’s Fellowship for “Operation Blessing.”  This project was started about 10 years ago.  Good used clothing is donated and available to anyone who needs them at no cost.  It has indeed proven a blessing to around 90 persons a week.

Thirty ministers including our present Pastor plus a host of associates and youth ministers have served here.  Much credit goes to them for their guidance.

Only the Heavenly Father can measure the ever widening influences of these 119 years of history, its ministry, its message, its missionary activity both local and abroad, has touch and blessed thousands of lives.  We look toward greater accomplishments in the future and pause to say a prayer of gratitude for the faith and labors of those stalwart men and women of days gone by who laid the foundation of our congregation.