Brief First Christian Church History
The First Christian Church in Lake City, Florida had its beginnings on December 6, 1942 when a group of six Christians met in the Episcopal Hall for Worship. On January 3, 1943, a statement of policy was formulated by thirteen charter members*, which read as follows:
“We the undersigned believe the time has come for the establishment of a New Testament Church
in Lake City, Florida; a church which will have no creed but the New Testament and recognize no authority other than Jesus Christ; a church which shall stand for Unity in Essentials; Liberty in Non-Essentials, and Fellowship, in all things Christian.”
The first minister was Brother C.R. During this time a building, an old Army Chapel was purchased from Camp Blanding and relocated to the corner of Duval and Orange Streets. It was converted to a worship center with first worship service held in December, 1947. A short time later a parsonage for the minister was constructed just east of the worship center. These structures were relocated after the completion of the current structure at the corner of Duval and Fourth (now NW Irma) Streets. The chapel was moved to US 441 South near the WNFB/WDSR radio station and the parsonage was moved to a location just off of S. Both are still standing today. The current building was dedicated April 11, 1965 and when Duval Street was widened in the mid 1970’s, the front entrance was modified to its current architecture. This included the large front stain glass windows, where entry doors were previously located and the construction of the new entry tower. The stain glass windows in the east and west sides of the building were added later and dedicated on October 3, 1982 during Homecoming. You will find information cards next to each window. Charter Members: Samuel B. McGuire, Emma McGuire, C.R. Berry, Hazel Berry, Claude Robert Berry, Richard Lee Berry, Pearl Moore, L.B. Powell, Roberta McColskey, Mrs. Sweet, Lena Sapp, C.R. Sapp, Mrs. Northington
