Morgan Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): February 2009

February 8, 2009

February News

2-1 The snow and ice did not prevent 28 of us from worshipping this Sunday. The sermon title was: Treading, Swimming, Walking. Pastor Dave spoke about how we spend seasons of our lives treading, swimming, and every now and then walking on water. Woodhead's donated the wreath to our new fellowship hall.

2-8 Derek, Micah and Josh presented a skit regarding Week of Compassion. We had a potluck after church. Estille and Faye won the first mini-cornhole tournament!

2-15 We will be collecting an offering for Week of Compassion next week. These funds are pooled to address needs in our world such as the recent ice storms, the tragedy on the gulf coasts, typhoons in the far east and elsewhere. Please give over and above your regular offering. We will also be welcoming Carol Cole who will be bringing special music.

2-22 Please welcome Peggy Hickman our guest minister for this Sunday.

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.