We are a nondenominational church that is welcome to all. The Lilly Dale Church of Christ first met in a log schoolhouse in the Lilly Dale community 2 miles south of Gatchel, Indiana. How long meetings were held there is uncertain, but in 1865, a wood frame structure was erected in Gatchel. This was thought to be a more central location. The Walters family provided land for both the church and a c
emetery. This building was called "Blue Rim" by many in the community because of the way it was painted, white with a blue rim around the eaves. An old membership list dated 1892 listed a membership of 102. Some of the early family names appearing in the minutes of the church records include Fulkerson, Scott, Miller, Malone, Covey, Gleason, Howell, Hendershot, Jones, Green, and Gruver. These were named as elders and deacons. The beautiful brick structure was erected in 1925-26, and the old "Blue Rim" building was torn down. This building was constructed with much hard work and volunteer labor and materials by many from the church and community. The beautiful stained glass windows were purchased by various families in memory of departed loved ones. Total cost of construction was about $5000. This building was remodeled in 1963 with new pews and a new tile floor being installed. A revised membership list dated 1948 showed a membership of 150. Groundbreaking for the enlarging and remodeling of our building was held in December 1972, with the construction beginning early in January 1973. This building program was completed that same year, and dedication services were held in December. It was paid for in full by 1978. A baptistery was added in the church basement in 1975. In 1979, a beautiful mural was placed behind the baptistery in fond and loving memory of Bro. Elwood Carter (1921-1978) who had served faithfully for many years as a leader of our church. The church was ministered to and served by the elders and deacons for many years. Those who have served as resident ministers since 1937 include Bro. Elmer C. Ringer, Bro. Preston Winchell, Bro. John Fulda, Bro. Delmer Browning, Bro. David Brown, Bro. Bob Morrow, Bro. Vernon Litherland, Bro. Harry K. Coultas, Bro. Milton Pledger, Bro. Sam Marsh, Bro. Elmer Pacheco, and Bro. Eddie Olberding. All of these since Bro. Browning have resided in the parsonage that was constructed in 1956. This structure was enlarged and remodeled in 1978. In 1980, the membership of Lilly Dale consisted of 340 resident and 50 non-resident members. The church had conducted or sponsored a local radio broadcast for more than 30 years, helped to support missionaries around the world, and supported Christian education as a part of her ministry. A number of ministers, missionaries, and church leaders have gone forth from the Lilly Dale Church to serve the Lord around the world. The strong leadership and cooperative spirit of the congregation, plus the faithfulness of our God and Savior give us hope for future growth and service to our growing community.
