User:Fdgowin

Bethalto First Christian Church - The First Christian Church at Bethalto was organized September 18, 1960, when fifteen families living in Bethalto, Rosewood Heights, East Alton, and Meadowbrook moved their church membership here. Christian people from the Alton Christian Church, Edwardsville Christian Church and Wood River Church of Christ joined their hands in fellowship to establish this congregation. There were forty-seven charter members. For approximately two months services were conducted by the elders of the church. These elders secured the services of Gilbert R. Schreiber for the Morning Worship Hour until a full time minister could be obtained. On November 6, 1960, William F. Price accepted the pastorate of the newly organized church. The first two years the First Christian Church was in existence, they met in the Bethalto Masonic Temple on Prairie Street.

The congregation purchased a 3.08-acre plot located on the south side of Highway 140, just east of Bethalto. It is on this ground that the first unit of construction began in August of 1962. The contract was for a 40 X 106-ft structure costing approximately $31,500. The building was dedicated to the glory of the Lord of February 24, 1963. The current Worship Center was erected in 1971 when the congregation outgrew the original facility. Our Family Life Center broke ground on October 1999 and continues to serve our congregation as we celebrate our future. May God continue to bless us.