This article appeared in the Citizens Journal (Atlanta, TX) on August 31, 1972.

Submitted by Lynn Embree


"CHRISTIAN CHURCH ORGANIZED, BUILT HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN '91"

"In the summer of 1890, a few men joined together and held services in the homes. No organization was effected, but enough interest was aroused that a movement to erect a house of worship was launched, and funds were solicited for a Christian Church in Atlanta. Early in the year of 1891, work on the building began. In March the building was completed but was not seated, heated or lighted.

At this time the Jones and Douthit evangelistic team was closing a successful meeting in Queen City. They came and offered to hold a meeting in Atlanta. Solicitors got busy and put in sufficient number of lamps and chairs, put up a heater, and the meeting started at once.

Great Crowds attended. A large number came in by statement and 38 by baptism. The baptizing took place in the Scott fish pond in the southeast part of town. The meeting lasted several weeks and at its close, the church was fully organized with elders and deacons, Sunday School established, and a young peoples organization formed.

The following men with their families were the early leaders of the church: I. B. Cole., M. T. Embree, A. W. Salmon, J. J. Burton, T. S. Brown, M. F. Eddleman, Charlie Walker, Theo Carlton, Taylor Thomas, Reuben Thompson, T. D. Trice, Harry C. Miller and others.

In August of the same year, the Jones and Douthit team returned for another meeting. J. M. Ratcliff, of Queen City, and W. J. Hudspeth of Texarkana, assisted in these meetings and at other times.

Other early members were the W. E. Scott family, Mr. Yost, H. P. Phipps, Professor and Mrs. E. L. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Johnson, Mrs. H. L. Johnston, several members of the D. D. Dodd family, Mrs. Sallie Spearman and Mrs. H. Jackson and family.The congregation has been fortunate in having many of the evangelists preach from the pulpit. They include: G. A. Faris, Homer Wilson, W. L. Morrow, J. T. McKissick, W. H. Swewll, John W. Marshall, Dr. Thomas, L. Cooksey, R. H. Simmosn, Thomas Smith and M. A. Smith.

Among the first ministers was J. H. Lynch, and later his grandson, Alan Lynch.

The church has depended mostly for preaching on ministers living elsewhere, who have filled regular appointments and held special services. Among the resident ministers have been C. C. Bearden, A. L. Oder and M. M. Smith.

In the fall of 1946 the church started their remodeling where in a six room education unit was added. The entire structure was bricked.

As the building was in the finishing stages, Bro. J. D. Berry came as pastor and remained until early 1948.

In June 1948 Harold Humphrey, A TCU ministerial student and the church's first student minister, came and remained until Dec. 1949. Following Humphrey was Bill Vaughn, also a TCU ministerial student, who remained six months and returned to TCU as a full time student. Some of the other pastors were Roy Sanders, eight years; Piece Burns, one year; Raymond Sellers of Marshall, two years; Bro. Victor N. Hershiser, five years, during which time the church bought an organ and the church aisles were carpeted.

In 1970 a new piano was bought and also new cushioned pews were installed.

The present pastor, Bro. Marvin Thompson has been with the Christian Church since Nov. 1969. A. V. Rachel is chairman of the board; Mrs. Lucille Kimmons is pianist and Mrs. Dorothy McDonnell is organist.