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        Our Last 100 years           

1901  A small Group of those who hold the the doctrine of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), began holding services in North Venice, Illinois. Preaching services were held by Rev. O.A. Bartholomew in the homes of the members.

1902  The group transferred to Madison, and a Sunday School was organized.  A tent meeting was held during the summer, under Merchants Bridge, but no definite place of meeting was established until 1903.

1903  The group moved to the second floor of Rosenberg Hall at 19th and State street in Granite City.  The first floor at the time was occupied by a saloon and the third floor was a boarding house.

After a short time, quarters were secured in Priest Hall (later called Fleishman's Hall), at 19th and Delmar street.  The first Floor was Fleishman's Clothing store.   Here the congregation met and worshipped for about three years.

1906 a lot at 22nd and State street was given to the congregation by the Neidringhaus trustees, and during that same year their first church building was erected.  The Neidringhaus trustees also gave the church the privilege of purchasing the lot next to the church which later they did.

The Church building  was dedicated in December 1906, by Rev. John Hoffman, brother of the pastor at that time.

1917 The mortgage for the church building was burned.

1920 A parsonage was erected at a cost of approximately $8,500.

1929  A building called the "Tabernacle" was erected at the back of the church lot.  That building had a sawdust/dirt floor.

The depression was felt by the members, and as a a result the congregation experienced financial difficulties, which resulted in the loss of the parsonage and serious involvement of the church proper.  This together with the formation of another congregation from this membership "First Christian Church" located at 20th and Cleveland streets left the church seriously crippled for a number of years.   From 1937 the church began an upward climb.

1941  the church building was reconditioned and the old debts were cleared and the mortgage on the building was burned in 1943.

1946 a lot was purchased at 24th and Edison streets, with the hope of building a new church there.

1948  December 5th First Christian and Central Christian Church joined together and became one church. 

1952   In Oct the Christian Women's Fellowship was organized.

1955  A campaign for funds was conducted to build a new church with $50,000 as the goal; and more than $70,000 was realized.  A lot on Johnson Road was purchased and the old lot a 24th and Edison was sold.  ground breaking was held on the September 11th.  

1955  On October 30th the new Church building was started and the corner stoned was laid.

1956 on June 17th the first unit of the present building was finished and a dedication service was held.

1966  A new sanctuary and terrace room was added to the present building with a dedication service held on June 19th.

"....Man's path leads upward to life"Proverbs 15:24                 The faceted glass window depicts the sun in all its glory as a symbol of God.  The rays of the sun, extending throughout the window represents His omnipresence.     "The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light.  To Him be honor and eternal dominion."     I Timothy 6:16     The plant, a symbol of new life is rooted in the earth and bathed in rays of light from the eternal one.  It suggests new life through the spirit as experienced through the Word, baptism and the Lord's Supper.     "It is the spirit that gives life,"    John 6:63     Winding through the center section and leading upward is the pathway connecting life on earth with eternal life which comes through Him who said, :I am the Way."    The window was designed by William Flippo and executed by Mr. William  Other, Jr. and Mr. Gerald Mowery, artist of Umique Art Glass Co.  Each piece of glass was selected by color and size and placed in proper positions.  The chunks of glass, cut from one inch thick, and foot square pieces is to give a sparkling brilliant effect.   The window is twelve feet high by forty feet wide and one of the largest faceted windows in this area.

1973  The Terrace room was redecorated and with a celebration held.

1978  On April 16 a new church sign was dedicated

1981  October 11 a celebration and retirement of the mortgage.

1989  a new roof was installed over the flat roof areas of the church and a handicap restroom was added.

1995  the mortgage on the improvements was burned and a new roof on the garage was added.

1996  In April a committee spearheaded a drive to increase Sunday School membership.  The program was called "Sunday School Revitalization Program"

1997  Memorial Hall was renovated and renamed Memorial Hall.

2000  In April new window air conditioners were installed in the classrooms, kitchen and Terrace room.

2000  In May a new sound system was installed in the Sanctuary.

2000  In August a new projector was installed in the Sanctuary.

2000 In September a new Church Sign was installed in front of church.  A new chalice emblem was added to the front of the church and new lighting was installed on the chalice and the cross.

2001 Centennial Celebration was held in October.