By ELIZABETH HEITKAMP
Farm World Intern

MAYS, Ind. — The history of Center Christian Church in Mays began with a handful of 21 members from Wilkes County, N.C., in 1837, when it was first known as the Free Will Baptist Church.

The first minister, John Walker, provided his barn for the religious celebrations. The congregation divided over Calvinistic views in 1840, and those who agreed with Alexander Campbell remained, celebrating in Walker’s barn for about 12 more years. After purchasing land for $1 per tract, the first Center Christian Church was built at county roads 750N and 50W.

In 1861, the congress built a wood frame building at its present location in Rush County. This building has been remodeled with additions ranging from a basement to electric lights, to stained glass windows.

Ministers Henry Weaver and Myron J. Taylor left an impact on the congressmen. In 1937, Weaver had the congress meet every Sunday instead of only on the first and third Sunday of the month.

In 1953, Taylor increased the attendance from approximately 120 participants to around 300-400. In order to house all attendees, the church needed more renovations. These additions in 1957 included a $40,000 education unit as well as a heating system.

In 1967, the 1,680-pound bell and belfry had to be removed because of the excessive weight. This bell was originally purchased by the Young Men’s class for $303, in 1920. In 1972, members wanted to reactivate the bell and developed a committee to look at tower structures.

Marcus Ellis served as the committee chair and with the help of Paris Cross Sr., Robert Morgan, Lowell Stoten, Hugh Morgan and Paris O. Cross Jr., the structure for the bell was designed, fabricated, welded together and fiberglassed. A bell dedication to the new structure took place in July 1974.

Center Christian Church is blessed with ministers and musically-talented members. Presently, Bill Worrell serves as the senior minister, Darryl Denney is the Worship and Discipleship minister and Christopher Harley is the youth minister.

Two women known for their musical talents are Norma Lee Gray and Vivian Wilson. Gray sang her first solo when she was 10 years old and has played the piano since she was 16. Wilson has played the piano and organ at church for 42 years.

If interested in learning more about Center Christian Church, visit http://centerchristianchurch.org/ index.htm or call 765-645-5348. Sunday service begins with Fellowship at 9 a.m., Bible School at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m.