First Christian Church Sesquicentennial

On October 18th, at 10:00 a.m. we celebrated 150 Years of Worship at the First Christian Church in Mattoon, Illinois.  With Dr. Mark Prevo officiating and a special message from Reverend Robert C. Clark, it was an excellent service.

Prior to the service we gathered expeditiously for a congregational photo in front of the church.  After three days of rain, the partly sunny sky and 50 degree weather was a welcomed site.  Ernie Newberry took the photo from a bucket truck provided by Leaton Beeler and Coles-Moultrie Electric Coop. 

Following the photo we returned to the Sanctuary where Dr. Mark Prevo lead a morning of worship through music, prayer, and scripture.  Music and songs were provided by the FCC Praise Team, Chancel Choir, Joyful Juniors Choir, and a special gathering of the HIS and UIC Sunday School classses.  Musicians contributing to the service were Marcia Roetker, Cathy Cather, Debbie McNeeley, Owen Sweitzer, Mike Haugh and Melissa Griffith.  The Chancel Choir was lead by Barb Wisner, the Praise Team by Owen Sweitzer, and the Joyful Junior Choir by Laura Dunn.

Mona Bays contributed more historical moments, as she has done over the past two months, highlighting the saints that have passed through these doors.  Specifically, she mentioned Mr. Phil Emig, long time board chairman, and Martha Crites, the first female elder at First Christian Church in Mattoon.

The communion prayers were offered by Elder Chairman, Bill Landrus, and Marilyn Purcell.  Scripture was read by Michael D. Brand, Chairman of the Board.

A special message was delivered by Reverend Robert C. Clark. 

Using scripture from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 2, verses 18-22, he spoke of pouring new wine into new wine skins.  We cannot pour new wine into old wine skins.  The skins will break and the wine will be wasted as well.  The Church must look forward to the next  150 years. 

The time has come to stop putting new patches on the old cloth.  He continued, referring to the aging church building that is no longer meeting the needs of the congregation.  There is a need to have a church building on one level for accessability, improved exterior access, improved parking conditions, better design for contemporary style worship.  At no risk of being fired, Rev. Clark exclaimed the need for the Baptistry to be located in a prominent area of the Sanctuary, not in the basement, to allow Baptisms to be a ceremonial part of the worship.  (Not to mention, the enormous size of the current Baptistry and the time it takes to heat it.)  Adding that the old can be part of of the new, but the new wine cannot be poured into the old wine skins.   

Reverend Clark also referred to Saints that have served their Lord in this Church.  Reverend A. Mont Massey, Mr. Emig,  John Mathis, founder, just to mention a few.  

Following the message, Reverend Clark was honored with a standing ovation, to which he replied, “you don’t give the preacher a standing ovation after a good sermon.  You put more money in the offering plate.” (paraphrased)

Following the worship service we gathered for fellowship over a catered meal in Campbell Hall.  A lottery drawing was held for chances to purchase candle holders crafted with broken stained glass from the old church building.  Twenty five of the candle holders were sold for $20 each with the proceeds going toward the Sesquicentennial expenses.  The beautiful candle holders were made by Gene and Norma Himes.  

Praise and Glory to God for blessing this Church for 150 years!