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Monday, April 3, 2017
Page #6
Howe History Minute: First Christian Church From "90s...Then and Now; A Historical Cookbook", 1991
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The First Christian Church of Howe, Texas was founded by early Texans including George Miller, J.A. Hughes, Henry Stevens, and others. Church services were first held in homes of members. Sunday School was held in the first school room of the town in 1872.
Pickering, Alex Monty, Gilbert Davis, Jr., Don Downing, Don White, Leon England, Don Rysinger, James E. Smith, Rev. Speece, Rev. Burch, Bruce Weatherly, Tom Haley, Stewart Wood, David Breeding, and Franz Alford.
The church members were challenged to win people for Christ and to practice Christianity in the community. The membership was dedicated the cause of Christian Unity, and encouraged to work to that end. At every opportunity, the members witnessed to others, through word and action, the Transforming of The church was erected in 1893, and remained Power of Christ in the life of all who would in the same location during all of its years of trust and have faith in God. existence. The lot was purchased from J.T. and Minnie B. Simpson for $350, and a church During the church’s many ears of existence, building was erected soon after the land was numerous revivals were held in the churchyard bought. The ground was leveled by Tas Gee, beneath some beautiful silver maple trees. and the building constructed by Charlie Hanna, J.W. Bearden, John Grigg, and his son, The church celebrated its 75th anniversary Frank I. Griff, carpenters. The annex to the before the church closed in 1982 because of a church was added in 1925, and in later years a decline in membership. Even though the parsonage was purchased. church no longer exists, many former members will continue to have lasting memories of The pulpit was given to the church by pleasant associations with fellow members, Governor of Texas, Charles A. Culberson, their families, and relatives in this small town who was a friend fo J.A. Hughes, one of the congregation. church members. (The above information was submitted by The church secretary, Mr. Will McCoy, kept Hazel Bearden Rutherford and Bertha Lee the church records and history in his business Grigg McCuan, both former Sunday School and office, and they were destroyed when the Church Members, and descendants of some of building in which office was located burned. the first members of the First Christian Church, Howe, Texas. This article is also enclosed in Pastors who served the church during its long the capsule that is buried on the Court House years of existence included: W.A. Smith, J.E. lawn in Sherman. The Christian Church McDonald, A.N. Julien, Leroy Anderson, building was donated to the City of Howe and Homer Strong, F.B. Young, Rev. Minor, Leo is currently in renovation to become an Johnson, Rev. Stanifer, William Vivrett, Lloyd exquisite gathering place called “Summit Mottley, Rev. Zuggs, V.L. Graves, Johnny E. Gardens – A Wedding and Event Venue.” Charter members of the church were Dr. J.O. Matthews, W.T. Copeland, Si Collins, C.E. Wheat, J.A. Hughes, L.M. Davis, J.C. McBee, Jim McCoy, John Griff, and their families, and others whose names are not known.
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Mr. Bill Collins, Jr. poses with the Historical Marker was placed on the property in 2004.
