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Many people hesitate to visit a church unless they know what it will be
like when they go. Perhaps we can help you know what to expect when you
visit us.
The Worship Is Simple And Devout
Visitors are favorably impressed by a quit service
designed to draw worshipers closer to God and provide enduring
spiritual strength.
Since our purpose is to be governed in all things by the bible alone,
our worship consists only of those elements which were part of the
worship of the early church. We sing and pray, partake of the Lord's
Supper, preach Gods word for our instruction, and give of our means. We
seek to maintain the attitude Christ enjoined when he said "God is
spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and
truth." (John 4:24)
Our singing, to many visitors the most inspirational part of the
worship, deserves a special word. Since the New Testament instructs
Christians to sing in worship ("speaking to one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to
the Lord;" Ephesians 5:19), we encourage everyone to sing. Yet, in the
bible we find no authority for the use of instruments of music in the
worship of the church. Our visitors are often astonished at how
beautiful and spiritually stirring it is when, unhindered by
instrumental music, all sing, giving praise to God.
The People Are Christians Only
The confusion of the religious worlds today is far different from the
unity enjoyed by the early Christians, before traditionalism and
distinctive names divided men. Believing such loyalties to be
contrary to the Scriptures, we have no sectarian organization or name,
doctrine, or creed. Our authority is the divine authority vested only
in the inspired Scriptures. Thus, following the teachings of Christ and
his apostles, we are simply Christians-just as were the disciples of
the first century. It is the only name by which we are known. The
preaching and teaching are bible preaching and teaching since the
scriptures are sufficient for our every need ("All Scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may
be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
You Will Never Be Embarrassed
You visit us as a welcome and respected guest. At the
close of the sermon those wishing to become a Christian are incited to
step to the front and let their wishes be known. But never is anyone
singled out for public attention. People are urged from the pulpit to
accept the gospel and to yield to its call with deep and spiritual
conviction.
You Will Find a Friendly Spirit
We believe that friendliness is a natural attitude among people who
truly love God. Our visitors, who always receive a warm welcome,
appreciate the courtesy and cordiality of these Christians. We truly
hope hope you will accept our invitation to visit us soon. It
will be our pleasure to have you. We sincerely believe you will be
benefited by coming.
Congregation History
In 1932 the following families worshiped in a store
building on 2nd street:
Paul and Mary Anderson, Sr. & Family
John and Gladys Tennet and Family
Ernest and Alice Barker
Scott and Beula Hurt (Briggs)
Oliver and Rose Hopkins
Archie Hopkins
Amos and Bertha Carpenter and Family
Plesent and Erles Starcher
Fred and Florence Cain
Gilbert Everson and Family
Earl Harter
Lora Cecil
Freeda Parks
Ethel Elliott
Ethel Moore
….Thus begun the congregation at Barberton
The first preachers were William Howell and Fred Cain. Oliver Hopkins
and John Tennet were Elders. Plesent Starcher and Paul Anderson, Sr.
were deacons. Later, around 1933, the congregation moved to an upstairs
room in the ???? Hall on Second Street; James P. Miller and Chalmer
Gardner preached.
In 1937 the congregation rented a building on the corner of First
Street and Paige Avenue, buying it in April 1943. Some of the preachers
were Russel Bankes, Carl Stillinger, Kenneth Edgar, Langford, Milan,
Frayley, Tom Christy, J.P. Miller, Barnhouse, W.B. McFherson, Sam
Griffin and McGlone.
John Tennet and Amos Carpenter were appointed elders. O.C. Smith and
Plesent Starcher were appointed Deacons. Harold Allen was appointed
Treasurer in 1945.
The congregation sold the building at First and Paige on May 31st 1955,
renting it until the new building at State and Robinson Avenue was
completed in February 1956.
Orval Buck and Albert Parks were appointed elders February 16th, 1969
until the death of Albert Parks in 1971.
George Lemasters and Gene Nitz were appointed Elders in
1980. In 1981 Bill Parks, Sam Silket, and Jim Vaughn were
appointed Deacons. This Eldership was dissolved in 1986.
In 1994 Rick Craddock, Morris Norman, and Bill Parks were appointed
elders.
Located Preachers have been:
W.A Burcher – April 1944 to December 1946
Harland Gathon – December 1946 to September 1948
Edward Boring – July 1949 to June 1952
George Lemasters – July 1952 to December 1956
L.J. Nicklas – January 1957 to November 1959
David Koltenbaugh November 1959 to June 1964
O.C. Birdwell – July 1964 to December 1967
James Prestininzi – January 1968 to January 1970
William B. Murrell – July 1970 to December 1972
Lloyd Barker – May 1973 to August 1978
William Feist – October 1978 to June 1989
Fred Liggen – July 1989 to November 1991
Morris Norman – July 1992 to July 1997
Jim Walsh – August 1997 to June 2004
Jason Schoenholz – September 2004 to July 2005
John Berlin – June 2006 to March 2009
Keith Welch July 2009 to Present
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