THE BEGINNINGS
The history of Elm Street Christian Church began a number of years before the formal organization took place. It was at the turn of the 20th century when the Disciples of Christ began to arrive in Greensboro with other permanent residents. Soon after 1900 the State Board began working on plans to “plant the cause in the important city of Greensboro.”
On October 15, 1911, Miss Etta Nunn, then state secretary of Woman’s Missionary Work, and Miss Florence Miller of Louisville, Kentucky, came to Greensboro to hold a rally in connection with the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the interdenominational organized Woman’s Work for Foreign Missions in the nation. Dr. Jesse Caldwell, president of Atlantic Christian College came to Greensboro and spoke to the Disciples in the old YMCA auditorium. In March of 1913 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Carter, the initial organization of the women took place. Dr. Caldwell continued to speak each second Sunday, and Mr. C. C. Ware preached for several months while they were still meeting at the “Y”. There were 32 members in 1915, and the report of 1917 lists 62 members in the Bible School, of which F. L. Atkinson was the superintendent.
THE EARLY YEARS
The place of worship was moved to the Macabees Hall on the southeast corner of North Elm Street and Friendly Avenue, on the second floor of what was the Mayfair Cafeteria. Formal organization of the church took place on Sunday, April 8, 1917 with 36 members.
THE ELM STREET CHURCH
The decision to construct a bungalow-type church building at the corner of North Elm Street and Fisher Avenue was made in a board meeting on June 2, 1917. The building was completed and opened for service on January 5, 1919. The formal dedication of the church took place on May 11, with 75 members. Claude C. Jones was pastor at this time, having begun his ministry on the first Sunday of the New Year. In the early 1920′s, the church continued its services and growth under the leadership of Mr. Jones. During this five year period he organized our church in High Point, which began May 31, 1921.
Mr. Jones left in January of 1924, and was followed by Harold P. Marley, who came in July of that year, and served the Greensboro church until July 1, 1927. A. F. DeGafferelly was here from October 1927 until April 1, 1931. For the next year, M. E. Sadler, then dean of Lynchburg College, supplied the pulpit. Charles Darsie was called here in October 1932 and continued for eight years until October 1940.
In the official board meeting on April 7, 1935, it was decided to purchase a parsonage. The residence at 106 West Fisher Avenue, which was directly behind the church, was bought.
Initial efforts in 1936 on behalf of the women of the church to raise funds for the purchase of a pipe organ finally led to the purchase and installation of an instrument in 1937.
On November 1, 1940, Donald W. Fein, who had just graduated from the College of the Bible, Lexington, KY, came to the church. Mr. Fein was with the church until November 1942, when he accepted a call to Union Avenue Church of St. Louis, MO as assistant pastor.
In 1942, the membership of the church was 190 persons.
N. S. Schuster was pastor of the church from March 1943 until August 1944.
THE DREAM
Clyde Darsie came to the church on October 1, 1944. It was during his pastorate that actual progressive steps began to be taken toward the construction of a larger and more adequate church structure, as the Church School did not have room for classes and for the education work. One of the considerations in the church’s agreement with Mr. Clyde Darsie was that the Congregation pledge itself to raise $5,000 each year toward a new plant, and in this connection Mr. Darsie would only take a very small sum for his personal work. The Church had a marked spiritual and numerical growth under his leadership. Mr. Darsie resigned and retired from the ministry on October 1, 1949.
W. L. Parker came to the church upon his graduation from Yale Divinity School and began his ministry on October 1, 1949. During this period, an acre of land was purchased at 1900 West Market Street, and actual plans started toward the erection of a plant which was to cost $175,000. Mr. Parker resigned in February 1952 to assume pastorship of the United Church of Raleigh, NC.
Robert E. Jarman came to Elm Street Christian Church of Greensboro as minister on June 22, 1952. He was called from the First Christian Church of Murray, KY.
At a special meeting of the Official Board on July 13, 1952, the church trustees were instructed by the Board to enter into agreement with King-Hunter, Inc., for the construction of the new church building to be located at West Market and Overlook Streets, and that construction be started as soon as practical.
THE DREAM REALIZED
Groundbreaking services were held on the site of the new church building on September 22, 1952. Mr. Jarman delivered the address, using “The Day of Beginnings” as his subject.
During Mr. Jarman’s ministry the church budget was tripled and mission giving more than doubled. In 1957, the steeple was added to the church and dedicated on Sunday, December 16.
DECADE OF DECISION
In 1959, the church accepted the goal of 50 percent for local expenses and 50 percent for world outreach to accomplished by the end of the decade of decision in 1970.
Mr. Jarman resigned his pastorate in December of 1959 and acceptable a call to the Hanover Avenue Christian Church in Richmond, VA.
On January 15, 1960, Charles W. Strong came to serve as minister. He had been acting as Executive Director of Christmount Assembly and prior to that time had served Christian churches in Ohio. While serving First Christian Church in Greensboro, Mr. Strong served one term as State Senator. He resigned his pastorate in January 1964 to run for Governor.
Dr. H. Glen Haney served as an interim pastorate from February 1964 to May 1964. In September of 1965, Miss Margarette Silverthorne came to serve as Minister of Christian Education.
The resident membership of First Christian Church in April of 1967 was 372.
ERA OF GROWTH AND STABILITY
Reverend Howard Groover came to First Christian Church in 1964 and served until August 13, 1978. Reverend Groover’s ministry was not only the longest, but also one of the strongest. First Christian Church began a Model Christian Action program, which provided emergency medical supplies, food, utilities, and shelter to the needy. The original pipe organ was rebuilt, extra ranks added, and rededicated on December 5, 1971. Our traditional “Hanging of the Greens” program was initiated during his ministry.
Reverend Steve Sprinkle came to First Christian Church in July 1979 and was our minister until May 1983. He led the church ahead in the areas of evangelism, outreach growth, and programming. An addition, called “Open Doors”, was added to the original structure, including an elevator and a new entrance from the parking lot.
Reverend James G. Wallace began his ministry in August of 1984. Reverend Wallace concentrated on strengthening the ministry of the church in all areas, and growth resulted. Several church school classes were added and attendance in Sunday School increased, especially in the children’s and young adult’s classes. A well-rounded music program was developed, including three choirs and a bell choir. A strong Sunday evening youth program was developed. There was special emphasis on special worship services during Advent and Lent. Home Bible studies strengthened the spiritual life. The indebtedness for the “Open Doors” project was paid off and kitchen was remodeled.
