Building a Church
In 1863, several families met in a house on Indianapolis Avenue (somewhere between Second and Fourth Streets) to organize the Christian Church in Seymour. W. F. Huff was called to be the first minister. The church continued to meet in that house and by 1866 the congregation had grown to such an extent that they were able to build a modest frame building on a lot just south of the Carter Planing Mill. This church and the planing mill both burned down in 1869.
Church built in 1875 |
It wasn't until 1875 that a building was erected on the East Fourth Street property at a cost of $4,000. It was while in this church the decision was made that we would be a part of the ecumenical youth group known as "The Christian Endeavor Society." In 1898 the congregation made another important decision which was to be a part of the group of Christian Churches that would use musical instruments within the church.
Church built in 1899 |
The congregation continued to grow and purchased a lot at Fourth and Poplar Street and erected a new building. The first service was held in this building in December of 1899, and it was here that we were first known as Central Christian Church.
The population of Seymour in 1910 was 6,305 and as the town grew, so did the church, and again, the building was too small. The men of the church said that we could not afford a new building, but the women of the church did not necessarily agree. In February of 1911, fifteen women banded together to form Loyal Devoir for the purpose of raising money. Their ultimate goal was a new church building. However, it was not until March of 1915 that a major fund drive was launched. The Church Board approved plans for the new building, contracts were awarded in August of 1916 and ground was broken in October of that year. On December 9, 1917, while the outside temperature was eleven degrees below zero, the congregation met for the first time in the new structure. The cost of the building was $20,000.
Church built in 1917 |
Through two world wars and a depression, the church struggled and prospered due to the dedication and sacrifice of many who wanted the church to survive and grow. Since the community and the needs of the church were growing, it was decided that more room for church school and fellowship was needed. In October 1954, the church made the decision to purchase the Laupus property for $20,000. The members had to raise $5,000 in three months to make the purchase. The members rose to the challenge by raising $6,100.
Church built in 1954 |
In 1959 the congregation once again followed God's call and prayerfully looked to the future needs of the church by beginning a building campaign. The campaign resulted in the addition of the Educational building in 1962. Dedication and sacrifice led to a mortgage burning for the $174,559 project in 1972.
Church built in 2002 |
The North Chestnut Street church home served us well, however, growing membership, upkeep costs and an aging building and space limitations prohibiting expansion led to new "seeds of growth" being planted by our congregation. In 1990 the Hess property at 1434 West Second Street was purchased for the "future" needs of the church. A Strategic Planning Conference was held focusing on the future of Central Christian Church and on November 18, 1999, our congregation, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, voted to proceed with building a new church home on the Hess property. Ground was broken in April 2001, and on June 9, 2002, on a beautiful spring day the congregation met for the first time in our present church home.
Central Christian Ministers
| Minister |
Dates of Service |
| Lewis Wright |
January 2010 - present |
| Jon Carlstrom |
October 2007 - December 2009 |
| Sam Davenport |
April 1998 - September 2007 |
| Clay Boyer |
March 1993 - August 1997 |
| George Bennett |
September 1989 - September 1991 |
| Joseph W. Palat |
June 1976 - June 1988 |
| W. Robert Lewis |
March 1965 - June 1975 |
| J.T. Moore |
February 1956 - November 1964 |
| George Florence |
April 1947 - July 1955 |
| R.S. Wilson |
July 1935 - December 1946 |
| Elvin Daniels |
April 1930 - March 1935 |
| J.E. Reynolds |
September 1927 - January 1930 |
| W. T. Mullins |
December 1922 - May 1927 |
| L.H. Graham |
January 1922 - September 1922 |
| L.E. Murray |
August 1921 - December 1921 |
| W.E. Carroll |
December 1918 - July 1921 |
| W. J. Baker |
June 1918 - December 1918 |
| Franklin P. Smith |
March 1916 - February 1918 |
| W. Paul Marsh |
December 1914 - November 1915 |
| Edward Pettus |
June 1912 - August 1914 |
| George Rider |
March 1911 - May 1912 |
| Lucius A. Winn |
January 1909 - September 1910 |
| Harley Jackson |
August 1903 - 1908 |
| John W. Moody |
July 1902 - June 1903 |
| Meade R. Dutt |
June 1901 - May 1902 |
| H.L. Veach |
March 1899 - September 1900 |
| A F. Beare |
April 1897 - August 1898 |
| Thomas Jones |
1886 |
| W.T. McGowan |
1875 |
| Ministers (unknown) |
1865 - 1874 |
| W.F. Huff |
September 1863 |