185 Years — Somebody Did Something Right!
Where do you give credit for a church lasting 185 years?
Soon, on October 14th, we celebrate a length of ministry
which is creeping up on 200 years. Imagine that.
First Christian was formed before the name was given
to our movement — Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
There were "six forthright women" who joined John Allen
Gano and T.M. Allen meeting at the Bourbon County
Courthouse, as our history tells us.
The first and second churches were located at 8th and Main,
before moving to high ground here at 911 High Street.
How does a church last through a cholera epidemic, through
occupation by Union soldiers, two world wars and vast
and uncontrollable cultural and social change?
Here I want to point out that the message which has
been taught and spoken of consistently is that of
hope and love. In faith, generations of Christians
here have followed preachers that reminded
sanctuaries full of people, that in Jesus Christ
is salvation and that, even so, their questions were welcome.
They heard of the liberating power of the gospel message
over their lives, believed and were baptized.
They promised to love and serve him by loving and serving
each other and the world. They knew how to forgive
and agree and disagree on many things with civility.
They realized that they did not grant salvation, but
rather that Jesus redeems and delivers.
They kept open the Lord's Table for all believers and
eventually welcomed women into leadership and
as elders and deacons.
This has been a church which is light on judgment and
rich in grace. Thus we have welcomed all sorts of
folks through the years.
This church has abided by the phrase, "We are not
the only Christians, but we are Christians only."
The church has been generous, giving locally,
nationally and world wide to help relieve suffering
and bring the Word to those who need to hear it.
We have been kind to neighbors, hosting the
Annunciation Catholic Church during a renovation
and working with other churches ecumenically.
Folks 110 years ago and 56 years ago had the vision
to build beautiful and solid structures for worship
and learning. They endure today, thanks to the
foresight and generosity of benefactors, good stewards
of financial blessings.
There is more. But that is enough to justify a celebration
of 185 years. I hope you will join us on the 14th.
Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff