History of
Central Christian Church

ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Central Christian Church has been in Pocatello for 90 years, having been founded in 1915. This local congregation is part of the moderate mainline denomination known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Christian Church ranks as one of the oldest and largest Christian movements founded in North America. Its early founders sought a restoration of New Testament Christianity that was free of the doctrines and biases derived by human partisanship. As a result one of our early slogans was, "We are not the only Christians, we are Christians only."

As a church body the Christian church has long held that reason should inform one's faith. Therefore those in the Christian Church have been at the forefront of utilizing a Biblical Scholarship that responds to the other disciplines such as science, archeology, sociology, etc.

The Christian Church believes in the priesthood of all believers, that each person is capable of approaching God and serving God through devotion to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and therefore no other intermediaries are necessary.

When it comes to cooperation with other Christians, the Christian Church is a primary participant. There are many "Disciples" serving and providing leadership in cooperative ventures among churches.

The Christian Church has a long tradition of distinguishing people's role in the church on the basis of the gifts God has given them, not on the basis of their gender.

Women and men serve equally in the leadership roles of our church. We actively engage young and old in our programs of fellowship and nurture.

Membership in the Christian Church is gained by a confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and being baptized, or by a reaffirmation of faith that connotates a previous confession of and baptism into Christ.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The first service of the Christian Church was held at the city library on April 25, 1915. About 30 people attended, with communion being served. Mr. S.J. Donaldson served as the chairman. It was decided to organize a Christian Church in Pocatello. The early years of the church were marked by struggles that are common of churches that are just starting out. Initially the church did not have a building to meet in, so the people met in a tent or a tabernacle. In 1916 a building 25 feet by 50 feet was erected on the 300 block of North Hayes. Three years later, in 1919, the building was moved to other lots that had been purchased at 6th and Lander.

Stained Glass Window
highlighting our sanctuary

During the ministry of Charles D. Stout (1927-1932) three lots were purchased at 8th and Center. Building on these lots began in April of 1939, and a march was made from the old site to the new building on March 24, 1940, by 350 people as the church officially moved in to its new building. In 1955, with Jasper Havens serving as the pastor, the church again launched a building program to address the issue of overcrowding. On May 4, 1958, the three-stage building renovation and expansion program was completed and dedication services were held.

In 1990 under interim minister, John Nesby, the church celebrated its 75th Anniversary. As we continue to follow Christ and provide ministry and service in His name and by His authority, we expect that our 100th Anniversary in 2015 will reflect the joy and the dedication of many individuals who have provided a collective witness of love and faith that spans one century!

Many old documents illustrate that it was the faith of the people and the continued encouragement and support by the Christian Church that made it possible for this church to grow and to have many vital ministries in Pocatello. During the 90 years that this church has been organized, it has been served by 20 different pastors. J. Russell Houston, Minister Emeritus, has by far the longest term of ministry. Our church is currently pastored by Roger J. Bray, one of the Timothy's that we sent forth into ministry and has now returned to minister to us and with us.