Colonial Heights Christian Church-History

~ ABOUT CHCC ~

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Christian Church is made up of approximately 6000 cooperating, independent congregations in the U.S.A. with a strong foreign missions presence throughout the world. We are congregationally governed with no official or authoritative organization beyond the local church. The Christian Churches were recently recognized in a religious poll as the fastest growing Christian body in the U.S.

Christian Churches accept without reservation Jesus Christ as the divine Son of the Living God, and the Bible as God's inspired Word and sufficient for faith and practice.

We observe the Lord's Supper weekly as a simple memorial of our Lord's atoning death. Each person worshipping here is invited to participate in this communion.

We wear the name mentioned in the Bible for the followers of Christ- Christian (Acts 11:26). We do not claim to be the only Christians, but Christians only. We adopt no rule of faith and Christian practice beyond the Bible (2Tim. 3:16,17). We practice Christian baptism, the immersion of the repentant believer (Matt. 28:19) upon his or her confession of the Lordship of Christ (Rom. 10 9,10). We believe that Christ actually and literally was crucified, dead, was buried and was resurrected from the dead and will return as prophesied to receive His own.

history

CHCC HISTORY
On January 7, 1958, a group of 11 Christians held the first organizational meeting concerning the start of a Christian Church in Colonial Heights, Kingsport, Tennessee. Their efforts were brought to fruition in the purchase of the house at 201 Colonial Heights Road, which was adapted for use as Bible school and worship facilities. Dedication of the building was held on March 16, 1958, with 41 charter members present.

In August 1958 the church called its first full-time minister, H. A. "Bill" Bullis. The A-frame building on Meadow Lane was dedicated on June 30, 1963. The following men have since served the Colonial Heights Christian Church as minister, Robert G. Tyler, Donald M. Tapp, Robert O'Donnell, Richard A. Carpenter, Hugh Thompson, and presently Wes McElravy.

On March 27, 1983, the congregation voted to purchase the property adjacent to the church (now known as the Annex). This allowed more space for Bible school, fellowship, and future expansion.

In 1991, plans began for the construction of a new sanctuary, offices, and classrooms. With growth from 41 charter members to more than 300 resident members, the need for more space was obvious. Thus, plans were drawn and construction began during the summer of 1991. The first worship service in the new facility was held in October 1992, during which a time capsule was buried - to be opened in 2042. The original sanctuary was converted into the current fellowship hall and kitchen.

Church growth continued into the new millennium in membership, attendance, program, facilities and staff. A church bus was acquired in July 2000 and a garage was built for it. The church purchased another adjacent property (Tilley) with land and a building, which provided a meeting place for the High School youth, beginning in 2002. Three worship services are now provided each Sunday morning. Services are augmented by use of screens, praise teams, keyboard, small bands, drama presentations, youth- and children- led services, and costumed choir presentations on special occasions.

The Food Ministry was started in 1997 for the needy of the area, and it now distributes to over 600 families per month. A truck was obtained in 2001. An addition was built onto the main church structure and came into use in July 2003 to serve needs of the Food Ministry and also to provide several new Sunday School classrooms on the second floor.

Over the years the staff has grown to include a Senior Minister, Associate Minister, Youth Minister, Children's Director, Choir Director, Musicians, Administrative Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Parish Nurse, Property Coordinator, and two Custodians. A number of members have participated in short-term mission trips to various parts of the world.

As we recount the history of this fine church, we are inspired by what God has chosen to accomplish in this place, and we are excited by the prospect of what is yet to come. May God continue to receive all the honor and glory from the work of Colonial Heights Christian Church.