Morgan Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): March 2011

March 26, 2011

We will miss you Nancy Harville!

After hearing that Nancy was supposed to go home this weekend with hospice care, many of us were shocked to hear that her condition had deteriorated to the point where her family was called in. Surrounded by her loved ones, she passed on Friday March 25th around 7pm. The love and sorrow for our beloved Nancy was tangible as we stood with her and watched her take her last breath. Nancy's personality, her laugh, her love, her acceptance, her consideration for others, her strong convictions, her fierce love for family and so many other aspects of her life will be sorely missed. Arrangements are being made with Woodhead Funeral Home. The 24 Hour Obituary Line is (859)-654-4422.

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.