| Our Beginning 1875? Today |
A History of The First Christian Church of Bristol, Florida
1874-1875
The Christian Church in Bristol is one of the oldest New Testament Congregations in the state of Florida.
Presently no one has found an accurate starting date for the congregation. The earliest remembered evangelist
to work with the congregation was J.C. Gibson, a man who had a black beard and was a very able speaker. At
the State Convention of 1875, he was chosen as one of the state evangelists to help in starting new churches or
congregations. He was preaching in North and Northwest Florida as early as 1874. The earliest glimpse of
history goes back to 1875. The following quote seems to be a strong indication Christians were meeting and had
elected officers:
1875 A.J. Cumbie of Decatur County, Georgia, presided over the convention, the purpose of which was, “For the
cooperation of all the Christian Churches of Florida and the consideration of the best means to be used for the
spread of the Gospel.” There were delegates from 15 Florida congregations, representing a membership of
569. Elder T.J. Gregory of Liberty County (this man is known by church records to have been an Elder of the
Bristol congregation), the secretary of the convention reported: “We have received no report from East Florida
yet, but last year there were over 500 members in East Florida, and if the increase there has equaled the increase
here the membership in Florida must be about 1500.”
Some forward-looking resolutions were passed at this convention: (1) That elders be ordained in all the churches
where persons can be found with spiritual qualifications. (2) That each church establish a Sunday School if they
have not already established one. (3) That we hold a cooperative meeting each month that has five Lord’s Days
on the 5th Lord’s Day, for the purpose of investigation of the Scriptures. (4) That 2 evangelists be kept at work in
1876, and that the presiding officer, A.J. Cumbie, and J.C. Gibson be called as the evangelists. (5) That money
be raised by the congregations composing this convention to pay the evangelists.
Before the first building was erected, the congregation was meeting in an old school house that no longer exists.
In 1875 J.C. Gibson was in Gadsden County evangelizing to the top of his voice and it was no uncertain voice if
one may judge by the number of converts reported. However, he later failed to the movement of those who claim
speech with the dead. It was at this time the congregation lost faith in the man and any progress was halted for a
period of time. Later in the 1880’s the present church was re-organized by M.B. Ingle. The ones who remember
Mr. Ingle tell of great revivals preached here by him, with many individuals being baptized. This man later went to
Jacksonville to help in the new church work there.
1894-1899
In the year 1894, the congregation had already started building and then secured a loan from the Board of Church
Extension of the General Christian Missionary Convention of $150.00 for the purpose of completing the church
building. It was December of this year that the present property was given to the church by Jasper Kyle and his
wife Susan. The deed is dated December 5, 1894. On July 21, 1895, the new house of worship was dedicated,
with M.B. Ingle (state evangelist) preaching the service. Church officers chosen at this time were: Elders: W.U.
Robertson and T.J. Gregory. Deacons: J.D McAliley, V.B. Jackson, C.L. Jeter, Frank Edwards. Clerk: M. C.
Herndon. Treasurer: J. E. Roberts. The same year October 26, J.M. Mason was chosen as minister of the
Church. Previous to this time a man by the name of McCracker had served as minister. Brother Mason was
called to give 1/4 of his time to the service of the church, including the fourth Lord’s Day. August 21, 1897, J.M.
Mason, assisted by Elder T.J. Gregory ordained W.U. Robertson as Elder and JD. McAliley V.B. Jackson, and C.
L. Jeter as Deacons. For the year 1899, this minister’s preaching time was changed to the third Lord’s Day. At
this time in Liberty County history, each denomination had preaching service only once a month. The schedule
was arranged so that there was preaching service at one church with Bible School at all each Lord’s Day. Many
people of the county made a point of attending a preaching service every Lord’s Day, thus all the churches were
well visited.
In August of 1899, F.J. Longdon preached a revival in Bristol. A quote from the evangelist found in
MISSIONARY TIDINGS magazine is quite interesting:
I began a meeting with the church there under unusual circumstances. A few days before my arrival the son-in-
law of our preacher, Brother J.M. Mason, who lives at Fowlstown, Ga., had been murdered and a man had been
lynched, so that the feeling generally was not the best for a meeting. Before the close the Brethren said that this
was one of the best, because we had reached some who had never been in the church house before. On my
former visit of ten days there were 15 additions, and the following year Brother Irvine had 18 more, so that the
ground had been pretty thoroughly gone over and gleaned.
It is not hard to preach to people who are willing to drive 15 miles to attend services. Bristol is the county seat of
Liberty County, and with the care which should be extended could be made a stronger center for that part of
Florida This is a church that was build by the help of the Extension Fund and they have paid the entire loan. I
spent a little over 2 weeks here and presented the work of the church along missionary lines to good audiences.
Aside from the reaching of those who were formerly prejudiced against us, there were 3 added and the entire
church strengthened. We must look after this work more closely to obtain the best results. With preaching but
once a month no church can do it’s best work.
1904
The next glimpse of history is found in a flyer FROM THE FIELD dated 1904. In this publication churches from
Ala., Ark., Canada, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois and Fla. Were reported on. The
Florida quote is as follows:
Bristol, Feb. 8 —I came to Chipley, Fla., from Warsaw, Ind. Five years ago. I have always been interested in the
Standard’s advocacy of our brethren preaching who have not had the benefits of a college or university education,
especially if the supply of college graduates was not equal to the demand. I began by first conducting a Bible
reading and prayer-meeting on each Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of my home, in the country near Chipley, and
continued for over a year. On Aug., 18, 1903, on my fiftieth birthday, I dedicated the remainder of my life to the
Lord’s service and soon after made arrangements with the church here at Bristol to preach for them halftime. I
moved here with my family on Christmas eve. I find the brethren have a good frame church building out of debt,
but with the Bible-School practically disorganized, no endeavor, no prayer meeting, and a general lack of interest.
I have called upon the brethren at their homes mostly in the country, and found them surprised, but pleased, to
have a preacher call. We are going to bring about a better order of things. This is a good section of the state and
brethren would make no mistake in coming here. Jno. R. Weiss.
Since Standard is mentioned in the quote, this piece may have come from early Standard Publishing in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
1914-1919
The next glimpse of history is in 1914 during the ministry of B.E. Melendy when church officers were again
selected. Elders: J. E. Roberts and Mitch C. Herndon. Deacons, Dave H. Freeman and Herman S. Roberts. C.
O. Woodward was called for a series of revival meetings. He was the one who conducted the business meeting
to elect the above officers.
On March 29, 1918, at the close of a 15 day revival, considered by many as a good success, the church called
Bro. E.L. Long as regular minister. During the meeting, there were 5 additions and a general arousing of the
members for the cause of Christ. W.E. Daughtery was the evangelist for the meeting. E.L. Long is remembered
as a well liked minister. His teaching and preaching was very good, leading many to membership in the church.
His wife was sister to Sam P. Fairchild of Liberty County. During this time (1916), Roud Shaw held one of our
great revival meetings, however the factor that caused many to join in the fellowship of the Christian Church during
the meeting was Bro. Long’s Gospel preaching and teaching. Mac Herndon, who joined the church during this
meeting is noted as saying, “It takes Bible teaching every day to save people.”
In June of 1919, there was a 3 week revival held at church by W.T. Brooks of Haynes City, Fla. And Miss Gail
Wilhite. This revival was considered a great meeting though there was only one addition.
1921-1924
In 1921, there was a revival meeting held by evangelist Roud Shaw...July 19k,1921—Aug. 3rd. Shaw’s previous
revival had been in 1916, this one in 1921 was also acclaimed as one of the greatest.
April 1923, Bro. J.A. Harpe became minister Under his ministry, the church progressed for he was a great
worker. During his ministry, a series of revival meetings were held by C.I. Organ, with singer Curtis S. Hayes.
Bro. Harpe was compelled to leave us the first of February 1924.
1931-1941
December 6, 1931 action was taken by the church board to have the church building moved over a bit on the
same property making room for a gas service station, to be rented for the financial benefit of the church. S.P.
Fairchild was to tend to this matter. In 1935, after the time of the bad storm in Bristol, we learn further about the
service station The funds gained from the station were to supplement pastor Wm. H. Wilson’s salary. Elwood
Long was in charge of the station. Later in February of 1942, the church board authorized the continuance of the
station’s business. The station being a business did prove a hindrance to the effectiveness of the church
program. Thence, in 1948 the board took action to have the building removed from our property, being sold to the
highest bidder for $150.00.
Beginning December 30, 1931, the Bristol Church enjoyed a 14 day revival held by O.K. Cull and Curtis S. Hayes
(singing evangelist). The two worked together to re-organize the Bible School and create much interest among
the old members.
January of 1932, E.T.Menshew was called to be minister of the congregation In October of this same year, there
was a well remembered tornado blowing right down the path of the present highway 20. Among the damages
was our church building being turned over and crushed by the storm’s force. A business meeting was called Nov.
4, and the following business was attended to: (1) Discontinue preaching until a church was erected. (2) To have
a parsonage vacated and hold Sunday School there until church building was finished. Much of the material from
the damaged building was used to build a smaller building. The damaged building was large with three rows of
pews and two isles. The new building build with the salvaged materials from the original building was smaller with
a center isle and two rows of pews.
In January 1934, the church had a revival held by William H. Wilson. Wilson’s ministry started sometime during
this period. In May of 1939, there was a significant business meeting. A committee was appointed to go to
Tallahassee about making the church tax free. The time of the preaching service was decided as follows: Lord’s
day morning and evening of 1st and 5th week. Lord’s Supper was to be served every Lord’s Day. A social was
planned with Tallahassee for June 29th at Duggar’s bath house on Lake Mystic.
1948 J.W. McAdams became our minister. He and his wife came to us from Tallahassee. August 15-22 of 1948,
O.K. Cull preached a revival meeting. At this time he gave a $10.00 gift to the church. This money was later used
to pay for flowers at a funeral.
1951-1956
In August of 1951, Carl L. Cooper of Savannah, Ga. Preached a revival. There were 5 additions and much
interest aroused. Mr. Cooper was young but a very good speaker. He was called back the next year of 1952 for
another revival. At his second revival, Miss Joyce Click helped with religious chalk drawings.
In August of 1953, L.K. Alexander of Bainbridge held a revival. The church officers decided that until further plans
be made, Bro. Alexander would preach on Thursday night of each week. This same year, definite action was
taken and committees appointed for the purpose of erecting a new church building immediately. Everyone
present was in favor of this idea. However, the new building failed to ever be a reality.
In 1956 there was improvement work done on the building. Among the improvements was the addition of 2 Bible
School rooms, two bathrooms and a new pulpit area. A dedication service was held in connection with the
Homecoming program on October 28, 1956. Fleming Fraley, pastor of the church,. invited Jake Thomas of Live
Oak to give the dedication address which was enjoyed by all. Dinner on the ground followed the service.
1960
During Roscoe Mann’s ministry of 1960, an evangelist meeting was held by Howard Mackery and John Von
Spreckelsen as song evangelist. There were 4 addition: 3 by transfer and one by baptism. Decision cards were
signed indicating: 29 rededication, 21 pledge to tithe (only 4 designated tithing before) and 2 life recruits.
WINTER 1973—BUILDING NEW BUILDING FOR BRISTOL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Bonds were sold to raise the money for the church building. Jerry Butler drew up the plans for the church and they
were approved by the congregation. Work began on the new building with the men digging the footing and
marking it off. The pouring of the footing was hired out. Block laying was hired out. Dirt was brought in by county
crews free of charge. The men of the congregation packed and leveled the dirt but the pouring of the floor was
hired out. The men only worked on Saturdays but work seemed to move swiftly! The men then put wall studs up
and laid out the actual floor plan. When this was finished and leveled, they hired a crew to put up the trusses and
decking. The first job was poorly done so we demanded and got a better job for no extra charge. A local man
roofed the church. Our men put the shingles on the roof for him. The congregation chose the brick color and roof
color.
Next, the pebble board went up all around the walls and doors and windows took form. Purlings were nailed
throughout the church...lots of them!
Fall 1974
Wiring is the process of being done. Pulpit area wall is being worked on. Front and back glass doors are now
put in.
August 10, the steeple was put up. Aug. 17 women cooked fish and had dinner on the grounds for the working
men. Aug. 23 the cross was put on the steeple by Cecil Taylor.
A decorating committee has decided on rich royal blue for the pew seats. The pew style was selected by the
congregation.
A baptistery has been ordered and is on the way. The carillon has been ordered for the steeple to be paid for
from a special love offering, apart from the regular building fund. A stove was bought at a real bargain for the
kitchen….$85.00.
Sept. 8 The window frames were set in the sanctuary. They were made by Cecil Taylor. Claude Cross and
Howard Davis set them in. Dexter Barber and Glen O’Neal put in the windows along the back wall. The pulpit
area floor was begun. Jerry Butler and Glen O’Neal began work on wiring. Sept. 14 & 21 the windows were
almost finished. All are now ready to set in. Sept 14 Cecil went up to the top of the steeple to straighten the
cross Sept. 22 plans are now being made to hire the brick mason. Sept 19 the decorating committee selected a
baby blue for the carpet. Sept. 14 & 21 the women took dinner to the men at the church...real fellowship.
October 5 wooden doors are set in and given 1 coat of paint. The baptistery moved into the church. Batter board
on the west side is up. We dug down to the foundation on the west side to prepare for brick man to start Mon.
Oct. 7, 1974.
Nov. Brick has been laid. Insulation is almost complete.
April 6, 1974..Outside is almost finished. Still need to put up pillars to porch and a little more painting of eaves.
Septic tanks need completing. Sheetrock finished in the Sunday School wing. Sheetrock is up on sanctuary
ceiling but needs to be blown. Wiring is almost complete. We now have power turned on. Paneling for Sanctuary
was ordered yesterday. Carpet is here but not down yet. The baptistery is in place and stair casing to it is built.
Sidewalk, steps and porches are all laid. The sign frame has been built by the brick mason.
April 20...Halls and Sunday School rooms paneled, Doug Brookins’ (preacher) office as well. Indirect lighting
boxes are on one wall. The sheetrock is finished.
Mansel Revell died while we were building the church. It was not far along enough for us to have his funeral in it.
However, the carillon was in and we set it to play for the first time just prior to his funeral which was held in the old
building.
Aug. 2, 1975 FIRST EVENT IN THE NEW CHURCH: Myers Ann Shuler and Chuck Robert’s wedding and
reception was held. Lovely!! Folding chairs were needed for seating as pews had not yet arrived. Very Happy
occasion.
Aug. 31, We had our first Sunday service in the new church. Flowers were placed in every Sunday School room
and no one knew where they came from! Ferns sat at the end of both piano and organ. White arrangements
were on the piano and organ. A yellow spring arrangement was in the front of the pulpit. Choir led by Joe Lathem
sang “The Old Rugged Cross” for the opening anthem and “How Great Thou Art” as a special.
March 76, Light fixtures in the pulpit are not in. Nursery bathroom not in...baptistery heating system not in. Need
fans in the bathrooms. When these are finished we can dedicate the building.
TO BE CONTINUED...
1874-1875
The Christian Church in Bristol is one of the oldest New Testament Congregations in the state of Florida.
Presently no one has found an accurate starting date for the congregation. The earliest remembered evangelist
to work with the congregation was J.C. Gibson, a man who had a black beard and was a very able speaker. At
the State Convention of 1875, he was chosen as one of the state evangelists to help in starting new churches or
congregations. He was preaching in North and Northwest Florida as early as 1874. The earliest glimpse of
history goes back to 1875. The following quote seems to be a strong indication Christians were meeting and had
elected officers:
1875 A.J. Cumbie of Decatur County, Georgia, presided over the convention, the purpose of which was, “For the
cooperation of all the Christian Churches of Florida and the consideration of the best means to be used for the
spread of the Gospel.” There were delegates from 15 Florida congregations, representing a membership of
569. Elder T.J. Gregory of Liberty County (this man is known by church records to have been an Elder of the
Bristol congregation), the secretary of the convention reported: “We have received no report from East Florida
yet, but last year there were over 500 members in East Florida, and if the increase there has equaled the increase
here the membership in Florida must be about 1500.”
Some forward-looking resolutions were passed at this convention: (1) That elders be ordained in all the churches
where persons can be found with spiritual qualifications. (2) That each church establish a Sunday School if they
have not already established one. (3) That we hold a cooperative meeting each month that has five Lord’s Days
on the 5th Lord’s Day, for the purpose of investigation of the Scriptures. (4) That 2 evangelists be kept at work in
1876, and that the presiding officer, A.J. Cumbie, and J.C. Gibson be called as the evangelists. (5) That money
be raised by the congregations composing this convention to pay the evangelists.
Before the first building was erected, the congregation was meeting in an old school house that no longer exists.
In 1875 J.C. Gibson was in Gadsden County evangelizing to the top of his voice and it was no uncertain voice if
one may judge by the number of converts reported. However, he later failed to the movement of those who claim
speech with the dead. It was at this time the congregation lost faith in the man and any progress was halted for a
period of time. Later in the 1880’s the present church was re-organized by M.B. Ingle. The ones who remember
Mr. Ingle tell of great revivals preached here by him, with many individuals being baptized. This man later went to
Jacksonville to help in the new church work there.
1894-1899
In the year 1894, the congregation had already started building and then secured a loan from the Board of Church
Extension of the General Christian Missionary Convention of $150.00 for the purpose of completing the church
building. It was December of this year that the present property was given to the church by Jasper Kyle and his
wife Susan. The deed is dated December 5, 1894. On July 21, 1895, the new house of worship was dedicated,
with M.B. Ingle (state evangelist) preaching the service. Church officers chosen at this time were: Elders: W.U.
Robertson and T.J. Gregory. Deacons: J.D McAliley, V.B. Jackson, C.L. Jeter, Frank Edwards. Clerk: M. C.
Herndon. Treasurer: J. E. Roberts. The same year October 26, J.M. Mason was chosen as minister of the
Church. Previous to this time a man by the name of McCracker had served as minister. Brother Mason was
called to give 1/4 of his time to the service of the church, including the fourth Lord’s Day. August 21, 1897, J.M.
Mason, assisted by Elder T.J. Gregory ordained W.U. Robertson as Elder and JD. McAliley V.B. Jackson, and C.
L. Jeter as Deacons. For the year 1899, this minister’s preaching time was changed to the third Lord’s Day. At
this time in Liberty County history, each denomination had preaching service only once a month. The schedule
was arranged so that there was preaching service at one church with Bible School at all each Lord’s Day. Many
people of the county made a point of attending a preaching service every Lord’s Day, thus all the churches were
well visited.
In August of 1899, F.J. Longdon preached a revival in Bristol. A quote from the evangelist found in
MISSIONARY TIDINGS magazine is quite interesting:
I began a meeting with the church there under unusual circumstances. A few days before my arrival the son-in-
law of our preacher, Brother J.M. Mason, who lives at Fowlstown, Ga., had been murdered and a man had been
lynched, so that the feeling generally was not the best for a meeting. Before the close the Brethren said that this
was one of the best, because we had reached some who had never been in the church house before. On my
former visit of ten days there were 15 additions, and the following year Brother Irvine had 18 more, so that the
ground had been pretty thoroughly gone over and gleaned.
It is not hard to preach to people who are willing to drive 15 miles to attend services. Bristol is the county seat of
Liberty County, and with the care which should be extended could be made a stronger center for that part of
Florida This is a church that was build by the help of the Extension Fund and they have paid the entire loan. I
spent a little over 2 weeks here and presented the work of the church along missionary lines to good audiences.
Aside from the reaching of those who were formerly prejudiced against us, there were 3 added and the entire
church strengthened. We must look after this work more closely to obtain the best results. With preaching but
once a month no church can do it’s best work.
1904
The next glimpse of history is found in a flyer FROM THE FIELD dated 1904. In this publication churches from
Ala., Ark., Canada, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois and Fla. Were reported on. The
Florida quote is as follows:
Bristol, Feb. 8 —I came to Chipley, Fla., from Warsaw, Ind. Five years ago. I have always been interested in the
Standard’s advocacy of our brethren preaching who have not had the benefits of a college or university education,
especially if the supply of college graduates was not equal to the demand. I began by first conducting a Bible
reading and prayer-meeting on each Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of my home, in the country near Chipley, and
continued for over a year. On Aug., 18, 1903, on my fiftieth birthday, I dedicated the remainder of my life to the
Lord’s service and soon after made arrangements with the church here at Bristol to preach for them halftime. I
moved here with my family on Christmas eve. I find the brethren have a good frame church building out of debt,
but with the Bible-School practically disorganized, no endeavor, no prayer meeting, and a general lack of interest.
I have called upon the brethren at their homes mostly in the country, and found them surprised, but pleased, to
have a preacher call. We are going to bring about a better order of things. This is a good section of the state and
brethren would make no mistake in coming here. Jno. R. Weiss.
Since Standard is mentioned in the quote, this piece may have come from early Standard Publishing in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
1914-1919
The next glimpse of history is in 1914 during the ministry of B.E. Melendy when church officers were again
selected. Elders: J. E. Roberts and Mitch C. Herndon. Deacons, Dave H. Freeman and Herman S. Roberts. C.
O. Woodward was called for a series of revival meetings. He was the one who conducted the business meeting
to elect the above officers.
On March 29, 1918, at the close of a 15 day revival, considered by many as a good success, the church called
Bro. E.L. Long as regular minister. During the meeting, there were 5 additions and a general arousing of the
members for the cause of Christ. W.E. Daughtery was the evangelist for the meeting. E.L. Long is remembered
as a well liked minister. His teaching and preaching was very good, leading many to membership in the church.
His wife was sister to Sam P. Fairchild of Liberty County. During this time (1916), Roud Shaw held one of our
great revival meetings, however the factor that caused many to join in the fellowship of the Christian Church during
the meeting was Bro. Long’s Gospel preaching and teaching. Mac Herndon, who joined the church during this
meeting is noted as saying, “It takes Bible teaching every day to save people.”
In June of 1919, there was a 3 week revival held at church by W.T. Brooks of Haynes City, Fla. And Miss Gail
Wilhite. This revival was considered a great meeting though there was only one addition.
1921-1924
In 1921, there was a revival meeting held by evangelist Roud Shaw...July 19k,1921—Aug. 3rd. Shaw’s previous
revival had been in 1916, this one in 1921 was also acclaimed as one of the greatest.
April 1923, Bro. J.A. Harpe became minister Under his ministry, the church progressed for he was a great
worker. During his ministry, a series of revival meetings were held by C.I. Organ, with singer Curtis S. Hayes.
Bro. Harpe was compelled to leave us the first of February 1924.
1931-1941
December 6, 1931 action was taken by the church board to have the church building moved over a bit on the
same property making room for a gas service station, to be rented for the financial benefit of the church. S.P.
Fairchild was to tend to this matter. In 1935, after the time of the bad storm in Bristol, we learn further about the
service station The funds gained from the station were to supplement pastor Wm. H. Wilson’s salary. Elwood
Long was in charge of the station. Later in February of 1942, the church board authorized the continuance of the
station’s business. The station being a business did prove a hindrance to the effectiveness of the church
program. Thence, in 1948 the board took action to have the building removed from our property, being sold to the
highest bidder for $150.00.
Beginning December 30, 1931, the Bristol Church enjoyed a 14 day revival held by O.K. Cull and Curtis S. Hayes
(singing evangelist). The two worked together to re-organize the Bible School and create much interest among
the old members.
January of 1932, E.T.Menshew was called to be minister of the congregation In October of this same year, there
was a well remembered tornado blowing right down the path of the present highway 20. Among the damages
was our church building being turned over and crushed by the storm’s force. A business meeting was called Nov.
4, and the following business was attended to: (1) Discontinue preaching until a church was erected. (2) To have
a parsonage vacated and hold Sunday School there until church building was finished. Much of the material from
the damaged building was used to build a smaller building. The damaged building was large with three rows of
pews and two isles. The new building build with the salvaged materials from the original building was smaller with
a center isle and two rows of pews.
In January 1934, the church had a revival held by William H. Wilson. Wilson’s ministry started sometime during
this period. In May of 1939, there was a significant business meeting. A committee was appointed to go to
Tallahassee about making the church tax free. The time of the preaching service was decided as follows: Lord’s
day morning and evening of 1st and 5th week. Lord’s Supper was to be served every Lord’s Day. A social was
planned with Tallahassee for June 29th at Duggar’s bath house on Lake Mystic.
1948 J.W. McAdams became our minister. He and his wife came to us from Tallahassee. August 15-22 of 1948,
O.K. Cull preached a revival meeting. At this time he gave a $10.00 gift to the church. This money was later used
to pay for flowers at a funeral.
1951-1956
In August of 1951, Carl L. Cooper of Savannah, Ga. Preached a revival. There were 5 additions and much
interest aroused. Mr. Cooper was young but a very good speaker. He was called back the next year of 1952 for
another revival. At his second revival, Miss Joyce Click helped with religious chalk drawings.
In August of 1953, L.K. Alexander of Bainbridge held a revival. The church officers decided that until further plans
be made, Bro. Alexander would preach on Thursday night of each week. This same year, definite action was
taken and committees appointed for the purpose of erecting a new church building immediately. Everyone
present was in favor of this idea. However, the new building failed to ever be a reality.
In 1956 there was improvement work done on the building. Among the improvements was the addition of 2 Bible
School rooms, two bathrooms and a new pulpit area. A dedication service was held in connection with the
Homecoming program on October 28, 1956. Fleming Fraley, pastor of the church,. invited Jake Thomas of Live
Oak to give the dedication address which was enjoyed by all. Dinner on the ground followed the service.
1960
During Roscoe Mann’s ministry of 1960, an evangelist meeting was held by Howard Mackery and John Von
Spreckelsen as song evangelist. There were 4 addition: 3 by transfer and one by baptism. Decision cards were
signed indicating: 29 rededication, 21 pledge to tithe (only 4 designated tithing before) and 2 life recruits.
WINTER 1973—BUILDING NEW BUILDING FOR BRISTOL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Bonds were sold to raise the money for the church building. Jerry Butler drew up the plans for the church and they
were approved by the congregation. Work began on the new building with the men digging the footing and
marking it off. The pouring of the footing was hired out. Block laying was hired out. Dirt was brought in by county
crews free of charge. The men of the congregation packed and leveled the dirt but the pouring of the floor was
hired out. The men only worked on Saturdays but work seemed to move swiftly! The men then put wall studs up
and laid out the actual floor plan. When this was finished and leveled, they hired a crew to put up the trusses and
decking. The first job was poorly done so we demanded and got a better job for no extra charge. A local man
roofed the church. Our men put the shingles on the roof for him. The congregation chose the brick color and roof
color.
Next, the pebble board went up all around the walls and doors and windows took form. Purlings were nailed
throughout the church...lots of them!
Fall 1974
Wiring is the process of being done. Pulpit area wall is being worked on. Front and back glass doors are now
put in.
August 10, the steeple was put up. Aug. 17 women cooked fish and had dinner on the grounds for the working
men. Aug. 23 the cross was put on the steeple by Cecil Taylor.
A decorating committee has decided on rich royal blue for the pew seats. The pew style was selected by the
congregation.
A baptistery has been ordered and is on the way. The carillon has been ordered for the steeple to be paid for
from a special love offering, apart from the regular building fund. A stove was bought at a real bargain for the
kitchen….$85.00.
Sept. 8 The window frames were set in the sanctuary. They were made by Cecil Taylor. Claude Cross and
Howard Davis set them in. Dexter Barber and Glen O’Neal put in the windows along the back wall. The pulpit
area floor was begun. Jerry Butler and Glen O’Neal began work on wiring. Sept. 14 & 21 the windows were
almost finished. All are now ready to set in. Sept 14 Cecil went up to the top of the steeple to straighten the
cross Sept. 22 plans are now being made to hire the brick mason. Sept 19 the decorating committee selected a
baby blue for the carpet. Sept. 14 & 21 the women took dinner to the men at the church...real fellowship.
October 5 wooden doors are set in and given 1 coat of paint. The baptistery moved into the church. Batter board
on the west side is up. We dug down to the foundation on the west side to prepare for brick man to start Mon.
Oct. 7, 1974.
Nov. Brick has been laid. Insulation is almost complete.
April 6, 1974..Outside is almost finished. Still need to put up pillars to porch and a little more painting of eaves.
Septic tanks need completing. Sheetrock finished in the Sunday School wing. Sheetrock is up on sanctuary
ceiling but needs to be blown. Wiring is almost complete. We now have power turned on. Paneling for Sanctuary
was ordered yesterday. Carpet is here but not down yet. The baptistery is in place and stair casing to it is built.
Sidewalk, steps and porches are all laid. The sign frame has been built by the brick mason.
April 20...Halls and Sunday School rooms paneled, Doug Brookins’ (preacher) office as well. Indirect lighting
boxes are on one wall. The sheetrock is finished.
Mansel Revell died while we were building the church. It was not far along enough for us to have his funeral in it.
However, the carillon was in and we set it to play for the first time just prior to his funeral which was held in the old
building.
Aug. 2, 1975 FIRST EVENT IN THE NEW CHURCH: Myers Ann Shuler and Chuck Robert’s wedding and
reception was held. Lovely!! Folding chairs were needed for seating as pews had not yet arrived. Very Happy
occasion.
Aug. 31, We had our first Sunday service in the new church. Flowers were placed in every Sunday School room
and no one knew where they came from! Ferns sat at the end of both piano and organ. White arrangements
were on the piano and organ. A yellow spring arrangement was in the front of the pulpit. Choir led by Joe Lathem
sang “The Old Rugged Cross” for the opening anthem and “How Great Thou Art” as a special.
March 76, Light fixtures in the pulpit are not in. Nursery bathroom not in...baptistery heating system not in. Need
fans in the bathrooms. When these are finished we can dedicate the building.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Our History
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| We are looking for an early picture of The Church. If you have one in your possession please scan and email it to Vanell@gtcom.net. |
| Our Ministers 2004–Present Dan White 1997-2004 Les Brown Rob Cordrey Bruce Quiggle Dave Smith Harold Hamm Doug Brookins Sidelle Vandussen ?????????? Please email any additions or corrections to Vanell@gtcom.net |
| Bristol Christian Church Bristol, Florida |
