Church members use October to celebrate parish history

Abbey Road Christian Church, Disciples of Christ -- until this year known as First Christian Church -- is marking its 117th anniversary this month. It's not the usual milestone anniversary recognized in increments of five or 10 years. Board member Glenda Zink says the church simply decided to celebrate its long, rich history this month.

According to a book about the church written by the late Hazel Sanders and professor Larry J. Easley, some Disciples of Christ missionary work began as early as in the 1830s, and an evangelist, H.F. Davis, tried to organize a church in Cape Girardeau in 1878. At last, in October 1890, T.P. Reed laid down the base of what would become the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Early services were held in the basement of the Opera House, now the Royal N'Orleans restaurant.

From the beginning, faculty and students from what was then called State Normal School were active participants. Early records show that the Disciples of Christ, who prefer baptism by immersion, held baptisms in the Mississippi River.

It was an early time in Cape Girardeau's history when ministers came and went as frequently as businesses and explorers. But among the settlers who stayed were the believers, and gradually they grew into their first church building -- the former Centenary Methodist church at Bellevue and Middle streets.

"Many times they bought buildings from other churches when they moved into larger, newer buildings," Zink said.

A timeline in the Abbey Road Christian Church foyer looks at more than 200 years of the Cape Girardeau congregation's history.

The congregation later moved to another former Methodist church at Themis and Sprigg streets. They rented the Sons of Veterans Hall over the Broadway Hardware Store for worship services.

Then they built at Dunklin Street and West End Boulevard and then at Abbey Road. Recently, the church changed its name to Abbey Road Christian Church.

The Disciples of Christ have always been different from other Protestant churches.

"We're a very open fellowship," Zink said. "We have tried to appeal to people of all social classes. Many in our church are couples who come from different church backgrounds and find us; we get a lot of interesting people that way. A very small percentage have been in the tradition all their lives. That makes for a variety in worship, and we really seek that diversity."

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include open communion celebrated weekly. According to the church Web site, Disciples are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit and prayer, and they are expected to extend that freedom to others. Although they prefer baptism by immersion, they recognize baptism traditions from other churches as well. They believe all Christians are called to be one in Christ and the ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay people lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

Today, members are still creating memories and carrying on the tradition of social outreach. The Alzheimer's Association has an office in the church building, as a community outreach effort, Zink said. The church has given some permanence and stability to the lives of a number of foster children. A few years ago it built a labyrinth for prayer and reflection that is open to the entire community and well used. The church offers free computer classes to members and to anyone else who wants to take them.

"I have never personally been connected with any group that is friendlier," Zink said. "If you mention the fact that you need something, within 48 hours you get it, if it is a real need.

"We try to be open, not that we agree on everything. A lot of people disagree strongly, but we talk about it and agree to disagree on some of the things in a friendly manner and with respect."

Among the anniversary activities of the church are recognition of members of 20 years or more as ushers, greeters, Scripture readers and other activities throughout the month.

Linda Hill made the timeline posters on display in the entry and Edna Murphy and Linda Dillman made commemorative bookmarks. Former ministers have been invited back to visit and speak. Each week a longtime member gives a five-minute presentation of his or her memories of the church and memories are included each week in the bulletin.

A fellowship dinner is also planned and certificates will be given to longtime church members.

Visitors are welcome; adult Sunday school is at 9 a.m., Abbey Road adventures for children and morning worship are at 10 a.m.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160