|
Building Pages:
Haverhill
Christian Church was established in 1885. “I do remember
lots of wonderful things about Haverhill Christian Church years ago.
I was teaching school when the building burned which was used when I was
a little girl...Children’s Day was a memorable occasion, often so
many people came that many had to look in the windows from outside as
the church wouldn’t hold the crowd. …They would spend an untold
number of afternoons practicing the children to make a good program—all
this without air conditioning and in the heat of summer.” remembers
Norma Shaw. “That old church was one big room and the classes
met in different sections of it. I don’t think there were
ever any problems with rowdiness—couldn’t be with ones
parents watching.”
 After
the first church building burned in 1929, the services were
held in an oil field building.
Norma goes on…”Christian
Endeavor was a highlight with contests to increase
attendance we reached a count of 90 once, but that included
the parents who brought their youngsters who were not old
enough to drive. It has always amazed me to remember how
the youth conducted the meetings with Bible reading, prayers
and discussion even though a few adults were present. No
wonder so many of those became such wonderful church
leaders.”
 On
June 13, 1954 the “new” church was dedicated. From Norma,
“One time when the oil field building was used for the
church, Cola and Bob came home for the summer. They gave a
concert and afterwards took up an offering as a starting
fund for building a new church and now you still use it for
your fellowship hall.” She is referring, of course, to what
is now known as the fellowship hall and basement
classrooms.
 At
Easter time in 1985, building of the sanctuary and office
addition began. The first Sunday service was held in
October of 1985 and the dedication was held on Homecoming
Sunday, November 17, 1985, which was the 99th anniversary of
HCC. This
building added a “new front entrance and a handcrafted
walnut wall to accent the baptistry area.” The 100th
Anniversary Celebration of HCC was held on Saturday, October
25 and Sunday October 26, 1986.
 In
July, 2003, we broke ground on our new church located at
10275 SW Haverhill Road, about 1 mile south of the old
church building on the land situated on the northwest corner
of the Haverhill Exit from Highway 54. The first Sunday
service was held on July 11, 2004 and the dedication was
held on August 22, 2004.
 As
a church, she has remained faithful to the Bible. She has
no denomination affiliation and has chosen to be governed
solely by the terms of the New Testament. Elders and
Deacons approved by the congregational members provide the
leadership for the church. Leadership
is not dictatorship, but loving, biblical influence and
guidance.
Our
leaders believe, and the bible teaches that evangelism is
best accomplished by Christians reaching out to those with
whom they have an existing relationship. Believing that
people should be bonded to Christ and His church,
fellowship, involvement in ministry, worship, education, and
stewardship are encouraged.
Special thanks to a good friend who
wrote the above history and provided it to us at HCC.
_____________________________________
2003 Forward:
The New Church Building Begins 2003
3 Crosses planted on the land that will
soon be the new physical home of Haverhill Christian Church
Building begins in 2003:
Entrance gate during construction:
Ah, signs of progress ;-)
As I drove into the gate this day I
was so excited to see the foundation ready:
|
