Morgan Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): August 2010

August 8, 2010

August Events

8-7-10 Jason and Sarah had a wonderful wedding!

Jason's dad got a heart transplant the week of the wedding, Sarah's mom won an all-inclusive honeymoon package and we were able to help with the decorations, tables, chairs and tent. It was a fabulous time!

8-8-10
We had 49 in church today, 50 last week (8/1), and 63 (7/25) the week before. We had Elizabeth, Keeley and Kade Pollard and Mary Lynn's friend Philip as visitors. New members that joined on August 8th include Tony and Kelly Maxedon, Carlee Garrison and Mary Lynn Stephens. The Godman's Pig Roast was a wonderful time. The weather was wonderful and the turnout was great! And thanks to Rachel Carr for playing piano!

Thanks to Rob Braun for the lettering on the van and to Steve and Dawn Wood for putting them on.

A Brief History

In February 1862, Richard Stowers deeded a portion of his land to Jeremiah Wells and William Kirkwood to establish a meeting house for the Christian Church at Morgan. On that site, a frame building was constructed facing the South Licking River. The Rev. Kirkwood, a blacksmith, was the pastor of the congregation.

In December 1882, the building was destroyed when sulfur candles ignited a tree during a Christmas program. Within a year, a brick building had replaced the frame structure. The brick structure was razed in 1915 when a defective wall created a hazard. The present structure, built in 1915 of bricks from the old building and new pressed bricks, faces northeast toward Kentucky Highway 1054. The sanctuary seats 125 people, with room for approximately 20 choir members. Twelve stained-glass windows centered with symbols of faith, were given by families in honor of past members.

More than 35 pastors have served Morgan Christian Church, which is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) during its long history. A majority of these pastors were also students at Lexington Theological Seminary (formerly called The College of the Bible).

-From A Study of the Morgan Christian Church, Pendleton County, Kentucky, a master's thesis by Roland West Jones for the College of the Bible, 1961 (now Lexington Theological Seminary).

In July of 2008 a new parsonage was erected in-between the sanctuary and the river. A new fellowship hall was constructed in December of 2008. On January 25, 2009 the Shotwell-Aulick Fellowship hall was dedicated.

In the spring of 2009 there are plans to pave the parking lot in front of the old Morgan High School. We also plan on erecting a monument in commemoration to those who have been laid in the Morgan Christian Church Cemetery.