“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:31-32)
Like the proverbial mustard seed, an “idea” leading to establishment of the Maxwell Avenue Church of Christ originated from a tiny seed that was planted 50 years ago and grew.
This modest beginning will be recalled during the congregation’s 9 a.m. Sunday worship.
Former pulpit ministers are scheduled to attend and participate. Church leaders said Bible study classes will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship meal for members and guests at noon. Congregational singing is planned about 1 p.m. with the day’s services concluding with a devotional presentation by Dr. Virgil Trout.
Recalling the beginning, Jim Woodson, an elder, referred to a historical publication: “During the early fifties a congregation on Maxwell Avenue was just an idea in the minds of men.”
The historical publication says a building fund was established and H.B. Coffman, Cecil Jackson and Price South led the group in a ground breaking ceremony at 421 Maxwell Ave. in August 1958.
The first worship service was conducted in the new building on Jan. 18, 1959. The first membership directory was published on Feb. 25, 1959, listing 119 members. Wayne England was appointed as the first preacher with W.C. Stamper Jr. and Mack Summers installed as the first of 26 men serving as elders as overseers.
Zeal of early members increased attendance to two worship services and construction of a new auditorium within 1962, Additional Bible study classrooms were added. Membership growth led to an expansion in 1979. A new nursery, office space and fellowship/classroom area were included.
