First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Mineola, TX

Rev. Jim Tingle Pastor Sherry Nichols Administrative Assistant 903-569-2537

Jesus is Lord

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History of First Christian Church

Central Christian Church of Mineola was organized in October of 1902 following revival meetings led by Rev. J.B. Bowan, under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Teagarden. The church was chartered with 103 members, and met in the Old City Hall. The first pastor was Rev. L.A. Betcher. Between 1902 and 1912 the church continued to meet in a variety of locations including vacant store buildings, the Baptist Church, and the old Methodist Church. Then, in 1912, a new building was completed at the corner of Pacific and Kilpatrick Streets. The site had been purchased by Rev. R.W. McReynolds in 1904 and sold to the congregation in 1911. In 1916, the church called its first full-time minister, Rev. W.S. Tandy, who served until 1918. For the next three decades the church continued to grow and prosper under a variety of ministerial leadership. New members were added, programs started, and improvements made on the church. In early 1949, additional property north of the original corner lot at Kilpatrick and Pacific was deeded to the church by Mrs. E.A. Tharp. On Easter Sunday of the same year, a building program was started. This program resulted in the construction of the present sanctuary, which opened April 8, 1951 and was dedicated May 20, 1951. The former sanctuary was converted into an educational building. The church again experienced growth through 1960 when membership was 239. At that time plans were started for building a permanent education wing. On Sunday, May 5, 1963, the present facility was dedicated. Membership at that time was 185 with 143 actively participating. On Sunday, May 19, 1965, a new charter was formally adopted changing the name from Central Christian to First Christian Church. In 1977, the church celebrated it's 75th anniversary with services held on August 7, 8, and 9. In 1993, First Christian Church bought the brick house (called the Knox House) on the corner of Pacific and Blair Streets, north of the sanctuary. At the end of 1994, the loan on the Knox House was paid off. In 1997, the room opening to the Courtyard was remodeled and made into a "Prayer Room" which was open to the public twenty-four hours a day. In 1998, the Knox House was completely remodeled to serve as a parsonage. In 1999, using funds made available from an endowment by Babe English and Exa Puckett:    1.     The two-story brick house (called the Puckett House) behind the Fellowship Hall            on Kilpatrick Street was purchased and converted to new classrooms.    2.     The church kitchen was remodeled in February 2000.    3.     A church van was purchased (has since been sold).    4.     New carpet was installed in Fellowship Hall, hallway, three classrooms, and the Sanctuary.    5.     Sound equipment was updated and a projector, laptop, and screen purchased.    6.     A new parking lot was poured and sidewalks repaired.    7.     A sprinkler system was installed in the church and parsonage.    8.     Stained glass windows were repaired and clear plex-type glass coverings added.    9.     New office furniture for Pastor and Secretary.    10.   New heating/A.C. units for offices, Fellowship Hall, restroom area, and the Puckett House.    11.   Ten percent of the total endowment money was used by Outreach to help the needy.    12.   In 2002, a new wing was added which includes new restroom facilities, large stocked            pantry, two storage rooms, and a large open area for visiting. The Ministries of FCC are: Worship, Evangelism, Education, Outreach, Fellowship, and Property.