In the year of 1904, our Lord saw a need to create a church. This church was destined to enjoy a rich and vibrant tradition nourished by the energy of many God-fearing people. God planted the seed for this church in the heart and mind of Ella Brooks Thompson. A small prayer band of five women, led by Thompson, Ida Smith, Sarah Walker, Effie Lewis, Rita Logan, was the beginning of this future church. This nucleus met in private homes and in tents. From this humble beginning, The Christian Church was established in March, 1904. Services were held in the Y. M. C. A. located at 2633 Lucas Avenue. God called Rev. Minor J. Mace, of Paducah, Kentucky as the first pastor. In 1905 this fledgling church purchased a building on Morgan Street ( Delmar Blvd.) and was renamed "Morgan Street Christian Church". In 1910, the church moved to 4322 Kennerly and remained there for more than ten years.
This property was sold to the St. Louis Board of Education in 1920. It became the site of Turner School. The membership increased rapidly during and after World War I due to the African Americans moving from the South seeking a better life. In 1924, Morgan Street Christian Church purchased property at 4400 Lucky (Aldine Avenue). This was possible through a $10,000 gift from the Christian Women's Board of Missions (CWBM). The CWBM was celebrating its Centennial (100 years). The name Centennial Christian Church evolved in appreciation for the gift.
During the depression, the church was able to burn its mortgage under the leadership of Rev. William J. Alphin, Sr. In 1938, an interim pastor, Rev. Peter C. Washington served for one year. He left to become president of Jarvis Christian College.
Under Rev. Prince Albert Gray's administration, 1938-1950, the church moved to its present location, 4950 Fountain Avenue, in 1945. It was purchased for $25,000 from the First Christian Church. The city's first interracial nursery was located in the church. The Pastor and members participated in numerous religious and civic organizations, thus achieving local, state and national recognition.
In 1950, Rev. William K. Fox, Sr. became the pastor. During his tenure, major structural renovations were made and the church's indebtedness was eliminated.
The Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Hylton, Jr., became the spiritual leader for 36 years, arriving October, 1961. Rev. Hylton retired in June, 1997. During the remainder of that year and into 1998, Rev. Dr. John Doggett served as Interim Minister. In June 1998, Rev. T. Eugene Fisher was installed as Pastor of the Centennial Christian Church. During his tenure, he organized a youth program within the congregation and the community. After Rev. Fisher's departure, Minister Marvin Goodrich served as Interim Minister through December 2003.
January, 2004, Rev. Larry DeBernis Hill became Pastor of Centennial Christian Church, casting our vision "A lighthouse for all who seek the Lord." Our mission, We are the people of God who love one another and share that love by building ministries that Reach, Teach and Win Souls for Christ!
On Sunday, November 4, 2007 Reverend Derrick L. Perkins, 31, was installed and is the youngest pastor of Centennial Christian Church's 107 year history. Reverend Perkins comes with a wealth of community experience and resources to broaden the vision of the church.
|
