In the summer of 1897, several families who were members of the Christian Church prior to moving to Jacksonville, TX wished to establish their own Church.
They were invited to use the facilities of the Presbyterian Church to conduct worship services until they built their own Church. Services were held at the Presbyterian Church each Sunday afternoon until 1902.
In 1902, the FCC purchased a lot on the corner of Austin/Nacogdoches St. There they built a Church.
In 1909, the Church was literally moved to the corner of S Bolton/Lloyd St. After the move, Rev. Tom Dean, the first full-time Minister, was hired. Including many community involved events, Rev. Dean organized and hosted one of the first boy scout troops in America in 1910. In addition to shepherding his congregation, many of Rev. Dean’s efforts were directed toward improvements of the community and the county, including agriculture (tomatoes, potatoes, corn pecans, etc.
After Rev Dean’s passing in 1923, we had 13 ministers to fill our pulpit. Then in 1969 came one of the most beloved, in the person of Rev. Bob Kettrick and his wife Jan. Rev. Kettrick was involved in many community activities, including: Member of Cherokee County Child and Family Service Board, the United Fund, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and many others. One of the most memorable events Bob started was the “Bargain Bonanza”. This was a gigantic garage sale, held in the parking lot of the Church. The proceeds were used for many improvements to the Church. Rev. Kettrick passed away in 2006. The Church had 5 ministers until Rev. Barbara Morgan came to us in 2014, and still serves us today.
Bob Kettrick
Corner of Austin/Nacogdoches
Corner of South Bolton/Lloyd
1920 Beaumont construction
Present day