Beginning of the Church of Christ
The Church of Christ was founded on the Day of Pentecost, A.D.33. To know of this organization and its doctrine, we must read Acts of the Apostles.
For about 200 years it was true to apostolic teaching, but by the mixing of Jewish teaching and paganistic ideas, the church of the beginning was lost. In the early part of the 16th century, Martin Luther broke the shackles and gave to the world the open Bible. Later Calvin advocated the divine sovereignty of God. John Wesley agitated the question of more spirituality in the churches. Around these ideas, great denominations sprang into existence. People began inquiring for the old paths. The churches were weakened and handicapped because they were divided.
Early in the 19th century, there was general unrest among the churches in America. In all denominations could be found those who believed that the followers of Christ should lay aside the traditions of men, and go back to the church described in the New Testament. Among this number were Tom Campbell and his son, Alexander. Father and son were members of the Seceders branch of the Presbyterian Church. They aimed “to take things just as the apostles left them, and stand with evidence on the same ground on which the church stood in the beginning.” They aimed, not to start another church, but to call the church back to the New Testament. They were not reformers, but restorers.
None doubt but what the church described in Acts is the true church of Christ. To restore this church was their work, with others, including Barton W. Stone and Walter Scott, and today the people known simply as Christians number several million.
Central Church History
Central Church of Christ began as an extension of the Sunday School of First Church (disciples), necessitated by the need for closer facility for the children.
Central Church of Christ began as an extension of the Sunday School of First Church (disciples), necessitated by the need for closer facility for the children. Due to the mode of travel in those days it was more adventitious to meet in their area of town. Although Central is not affiliated with Diciples of Christ, we acknowledge their foresight and credit them as the founders of this congregation.
After meetings in homes and several locations, a new congregation was formed and Central Church of Christ was organized on May 4, 1902. J.T.H Stewart was the first minister, and 31 persons became charter members. Church was held in Ebling Hall, corner of South Main and West Hardin streets.
The church building was constructed, then dedicated on September 20, 1908. During the 1930’s attendance increased steadily and an addition was added to the east side of the main building which consisted of 4 classrooms and a junior church auditorium. According to records, a church annex was purchased shortly after the addition was built.
In the fall of 1957 Central completed plans for the organization of a new congregation. Half the needed funds were given to construct and furnish Parkview Church of Christ at the corner of Winfield and Vincent Streets. Village View Church of Christ in Bowling Green and Central Church of Christ in Kenton were other new congregations that were supported by Central Church of Christ.
The Educational unit was added to Central in April of 1960 (groundbreaking). Auditorium was remodeled in 1984. The renovation entailed filling in the basement with 700-900 ton of stone, lowering the auditorium floor to ground level and reconfiguring the area to allow for more comfortable seating.
TODAY at Central Church of Christ we focus on “Discipling Believers To Reach Souls For Christ.” Programs are geared to meet those needs. Groups and classes exist from nursery and toddlers through adult. Come worship with us!
