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Our History
1845
-Present |
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103
7th street
February 1855 |
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First Christian
Church was organized in 1845, the same year that the city of
Peoria was organized. Twelve dedicated Christians gathered
together in members’ homes, their purpose, to advance the
principles of Christianity in the city of Peoria. They were
known commonly as “members of the Christian Church”. |
| The church’s first
permanent home was built in 1854 on a lot at 7th and Franklin
and was occupied for the first time in Feb. 1855. It was named
the Christian Chapel. Through its 155 years, it has known 5
homes on 4 locations, moving to its present home in 1974. Its
name has changed 4 times - The Christian Chapel, Church of
Christ, Central Christian Church and finally First Christian
Church. |
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Monroe & Fulton 1875 |
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Monroe & Fulton
1895 |
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From its early
history in the 1920’s, First Christian had sought to spread
the Good News throughout the city by way of new churches erected
in various parts of the city. This was the dream of its
long-time minister, Cecil C. Carpenter, who envisioned the
church expanding around the city of Peoria in additional
congregations and to that end, members were dismissed to join
and assist the new churches. As a result of this dream, 6
churches have been added in the Peoria area. |
| Quoting from Rev.
David Nash’s introduction to the church’s history “On the
grand, eternal scale, 150 years is not a long time. However, in
this era which prizes the fast and meteoric, fifteen decades of
ministry is an impressive testimony. In 1845, who could have
guessed that our twelve spiritual forebears, gathered in
faithful response to the Gospel, would eventually birth another
six congregations? Who could have known that these twelve were
beginning an important ministry of worship, service and witness
which would span over a century and a half?” |
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209 N. Madison
October 1913 |
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209 N. Madison June
4, 1916 |
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In
the Mission Statement of First Christian Church
God calls us to:
Become a Christ-centered community where all are unconditionally loved,
accepted, and respected. (James 1:19; John 13:34 & 35)
Embrace a hunger for Christ's Word through worship, study, and sharing our
personal faith relationship with Christ. (John 6:35; II Timothy 3:16)
Serve others as Christ serves us. (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5)
Together
B E S T
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FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF
PEORIA 