History of Central Christian Church

 The Christian Church (Church of Christ) had its beginning in Danville, Illinois, in January, 1868.  Meetings were first held in the home of Colonel and Mrs. R.H. Johnson who lived on the northeast corner of Madison and Franklin Streets.   For a short time the members continued to hold services in other private homes.  Later they rented a hall over the old Yeomans and Shedd Hardware Store on West Main Street.  On January 13, 1873, the church was formally organized when a revival was held by John F. Rowe, reputed to be one the foremost evangelists at that time.  A nucleus of 44 members completed the organization and called W.R. Jewell to be their pastor.
 Their first church building was erected at 415 Franklin Street and was dedicated on May 18, 1874, and became known as the 'Franklin Street Chapel.'

  In 1894, S.S. Jones who had conducted an evangelistic meeting in 'The Chapel' was called to be their minister.  One of the conditions of his acceptance was that a new and larger church be built in the near future.  Consequently the cornerstone for a church at Oak and Seminary streets was laid on August 15, 1895.  On February 16, 1896, the First Christian Church was dedicated.

 Rev. Jones concluded his pastorate with this church in 1901. 
 That same year a number of members decided to establish another Church of Christ in the north part of Danville, and a lot on the southeast corner of Walnut and English Streets was purchased.  On August, 31, 1902, this group forming the nucleus of the Third Church of Christ met in Coates Hall on North Vermilion St., the present site of the Meadow Gold Dairy.  In January of 1903, they moved across the street to the Toopes Block to continue to make plans for their new church.
 Beginning on January 24, 1904, services were held in a room at Garfield School until March 13, when they moved into the basement of their new church for services while the building was being completed.  On May 15, 1904, the new Third Church of Christ was dedicated and S.S. Jones became the first minister.
 In 1928, a proposal to consolidate the First and Third Churches of Christ was presented to their respective congregations.  A joint committee drew up a set of resolutions which were submitted and approved by both churches December 16, 1928.  Included in the resolutions were:  that the name of the new church will be known as Central Christian Church.  Also that a site on the corner of Vermilion and English Streets be acquired.  Thus Central Christian Church was incorporated December 18, 1928, with John E. Foster continuing as their minister.

 The Lamm property located at northeast corner of Vermilion and English with an old dwelling thereon was purchased in June 1929, and the 'Annex Building' was immediately used for Sunday School for the youth and adults of the church.  Under the leadership of Frank Kennedy who came to Central Christian February 1, 1937, the congregation began a fund raising program  for a new building.  On July 22, 1949, they voted to build the new church and the 'Annex' was dismantled and torn down.  The sod breaking ceremony was held November 13 of that same year.  The present Central Christian Church was dedicated on December 17, 1950.

 link to Disciples Historical Society