A Brief History of Columbia United Church of Christ
The story of Columbia United Church of Christ stretches back to 1921 when a group of University of Missouri students, faculty and Columbia residents of German Evangelical background began meeting together joined by their common heritage of faith. On January 23, 1923, the group was formally organized to form The Evangelical Club, officially part of the Evangelical Synod of North America.
An appeal was made to Eden Theological Seminary (www.eden.edu) for regular pastoral leadership. A plan was worked out to send a graduate of the Seminary who would serve as part-time pastor while also having the opportunity to do graduate work at the University. The group grew in numbers and commitment along with continued interest and financial support from the denomination.
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In 1932 the congregation built its first church structure at 315 Hitt Street. On February 19, 1933, it was dedicated 'The Chapel'-the congregation's own center for worship and fellowship. As the congregation continued to grow along with the broadened sense of ministry to the University campus, in 1957 an associate minister was provided who would work primarily in the area of Campus Ministry. It was during the late fifties and early sixties that the congregation changed from a student dominated group to a resident and family-type of membership.
In December 1965, a fire seriously damaged the sanctuary of The Chapel, and the growing congregation had to make the extremely difficult decision whether to rebuild or to relocate. After much soul searching, it was decided to relocate on five acres of land at the west edge of town which was donated by the Merle Muhrer family.
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On Palm Sunday 1968, ground was broken and a distinctive new circular structure was built, headed by George Ianke, builder and dedicated church member. The building was dedicated on September 29, 1969, and the congregation adopted the name 'Columbia United Church of Christ'.
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With continued growth in membership and ministry Columbia United Church of Christ developed and carried out a vision of expansion to include a new Education Wing. Ground was broken in September 1997, and the first Sunday School classes were held in the new structure in December 1998. This vision also included the expansion of the sanctuary and former narthex to accommodate more worshippers and to provide more room for gathering -- thus, what we like to call our 'Gathering Area'.
As we remember the past -- the foundation laid in faith and the dreams which through faith have become reality -- we look to the future with renewed hope. Come join us as we commit ourselves anew to the Spirit of Christ who leads us forward, with eyes and minds open to new possibilities in our ministry. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
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