Picture

The man holding the Bible is the preacher, Vernon Gilbert. The seventh man from the left in the back row is Rob Norton. His wife, Maude, is fourth from the right on the bottom row. This picture was taken in the fall of 1917 at a protracted meeting or what is now called a revival. All of the people who posed for this picture were baptized that day.

History

The present Bible Grove Church of Christ was built in the latter months of 1897 and the first services were held there in about the middle of January 1898. Land for the church building was purchased for the sum of $35 from Eliga and Mary Smith. John and Homer Slocum were the carpenters who erected the building, the only building in Bible Grove that is square with the world. The Slocum's marked it off by moonlight. William Purvis and John Gorman were prominent in providing a new location for the congregation.

Beliefs

The Church of Christ is based on the beliefs of the New Testament. Believing that Christ is the head of the Church, which he purchased with his own blood. That we meet to worship as the early disciples did, with preaching, singing (without instrumental accompaniment) laying by in store (taking a collection), and breaking of bread (communion) each Lord's Day. Members are added to the congregation by Baptism (immersion). We try to "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent." Our aim is not to add to or take away from the New Testament teachings (Rev. 22: 18-19).

Contact

If you have further questions about the Church of Christ and its history, you many contact Greta (Phillips) Slocum at (660) 883-5831. Jewel Brown prepared the above information about the Church of Christ.