User:Topherwiles/Washington Church of Christ

Washington Church of Christ

Present Service Times: Sunday Service: Bible Class: 9:30 AM Worship: 10:30 AM, 6:00 PM Wednesday: Devotional and Bible Classes: 7:00 PM

Address: 311 Hillside Dr., Washington, IN 47501

Phone: (812) 254-0508

Website: http://www.washingtoncoc.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Washington-Church-of-Christ/249443135089402

History

The Churches of Christ have their history rooted in the Stone-Campbell or Restoration Movement. This effort was known for its desire to get back to "Sola Scriptora" meaning "scripture alone" as the primary basis for the model of the church. To learn more about the Churches of Christ in general please follow this link: Churches of Christ.

The Church of Christ in Washington has roots going back nearly 180 years. In 1830 seven individuals who strove to adhere to the teachings of the Bible and the examples of worship and discipleship began meeting together in Washington, IN, creating the Bethany church. In 1912, several families left the Bethany church to join the Old Union church, south of Washington.

In 1915, some of the men at Old Union thought the cause of Christ would be best served by locating a congregation within the city of Washington, Indiana. The trustees of the Presbyterian church offered to sell the property located at NE 1st and Hefron Streets. Three men primarily responsible for the purchase of the old building were Andrew Miller, James Colbert, and A.C. Wise. On October 1, 1916, 22 people from the Old Union and Bethany met for the first time as the "Church of Christ in Washington. The first preacher was O.M. Davis from Bicknell.  In December 1916, Thad Hutson held a two-week gospel meeting.  Through the years the congregation was served by many faithful men and women.  Several generous donations helped to maintain and remodel the building, eventually adding a baptistery in 1941.  In 1955 the church hired its first full-time preacher, Robert McIndoo from Terre Haute, IN.

In September 1962, several families planted a 2nd congregation in Washington. They began meeting in the National Guard Armory and took the name "North Side Church of Christ." Jerry Weir served as a preacher there. In August 1964, the North Side church purchased property in the Wilson Heights addition. A building was constructed, and the first meeting took place there on March 13, 1966. The name was changed to the Wilson heights Church of Christ. Raymond Shepherd and Don Jett faithfully served as elders of this congregation. Don also served as the preacher through the early 70's. From 1975 to 1979, Jerry Jett and Bryan Walden shared preaching duties. Bob Waggoner then filled the pulpit until 1981 along with Bryan Walden.

Through the years, several families in both congregations (Wilson Heights and 1st & Hefron) felt the cause of Christ could best be served by combining to form one congregation. Through the efforts of the leadership of both congregations working together, the decision was made for them to meet together. February 1, 1981 was the first worship together. On March 8, 1981, Robert Pitman, Justin Roberts, and Bryan Walden were appointed as elders. After alternating locations of worship, later that year a decision was made to conduct all worship services at the Wilson Heights (present) location based mostly on location and condition of the structure. We then became known as the Washington Church of Christ. After combining, Bill Barbee (preacher at 1st & Hefron) took over full-time preaching duties for the church.

Plans then began for an addition to the existing structure with the help of Mylar Church builders of Crawfordsvill, IN. Construction began in September 1985, with the dedication held on Jun 8, 1986. Gene Carrell was the guest speaker. From 1981 to 1987 Justin Roberts, Bob Pitman, and Bryan Walden continued to serve as elders, with Bill Barbee serving as preacher. In April 1987 Tim Sensing was hired as the full-time minister after Bill left for the chaplain duty in the Army. Justin Roberts moved to Jeffersonville in the fall of 1987, and C. Ira Price replaced him as an elder, serving until 1993. Bob Pitman stepped down as elder in 1994, and his son, Joe Pitman, Virgil Wininger, and Bryan Walden have served as elders since then to 2009.

Tim Sensing served as minister until 1993. Pat Arthur served as minister from 1994 to 2000, Johnny Melton from 2001 to August 2007, and Raymond Harris from February 2008 to 2010. Christopher Wiles has served as minister from August 2011 to the present.