A new "Building Fund" was started"
"The "Building Fund" history"

A celebration was held for the church's 40th Anniversary. Mrs. Daisy Knight Call, a charter member of the Ladies Aid and also a charter member of the church, gave a reading at the celebration, stating that "There is much that could be said of the heroic work that has been done in this church during its 40 years of existence. Many have given of their time, money and talent. The Bible teaches us that as we are prospered, so we are to give. Some may give their thousands while others give their pennies, but we are to remember the widow's mite and how the Lord said she hath given more than all they that cast into the treasury. So, if it is the great or the small things you have done in the building of this church, may it be recorded in Heaven, 'you have done your best!"".
1947 ~ The congregation celebrated its 50th Anniversary, June 8-12, 1949, beginning with a dramatization of early church history by members of the congregation on June 8, an address by Dr. W. H. Cramblet, president of Bethany COllege on June 9. On the evening of June 10, an Anniversary Banquet was held where charter members were honored. Sunday morning, June 12, regular church services were held with the morning worship services by the minister H. H. Stansbury, and evening serman by J.F. Messenger from Somerset, Pennsylvania.		1950 ~ Average Sunday school attendance 1953-1956 was 330. In the early 1950's a new parsonage located on Second Avenue was purchased. Mr. Earl B. King, minister during the 1950's, and family moved to the new parsonage. The old parsonage on Franklin Street was converted into Sunday school classrooms and nursery. The church kitchen received a new range, a new set of dishes and its first electric refrigerator.
On the evening of July 27, 1956, a great catastrophe struck the community. Flood waters completely isolated the town of Waynesburg for the night. That same evening the church was hit by a staggering blow when a cloud burst sent flood waters into the church basement to a depth of nine feet. This caused immense material losses, including the loss of irreplacable church records. When news of the flooded church basement hit the ears and hearts of the church members, it was inconceivable to them that such a disaster could have happen. It was a terrible, heart-breaking mess that greeted unbelieving eyes of folks who came down the steps of Franklin Street the morning after the flood. Receding waters left an indescribable mess on the floor several inches deep. The new stove, refrigerator, two pianos, all lay on their backs along with broken wooden chairs. All folding doors were broken and unusable for many months. The cupboard doors in the kitchen were broken and the kitchenware and dishes had a coating of mud. Dismayed and heart-broken but not beaten, the members came with shovels, buckets, baskets, boxes, tubs, any container which would hold the muck. Others brought pickup trucks to haul away the debris. Anything which could be repaired was washed many times and set up to dry. When walls, floors and chairs were freed of mud they were all washed with disinfectant water. For several years, mud was found in the cracks, and one could probably still find mud today if you looked hard enough! Then followed many difficult and trying months of rehabilitation. After many, many months, the basement was dry enough to try to repair the damages.
1957 ~ The Sunday school desperately needed additional classrooms. There was a building fund, but it was not sufficient to warrant a large building project. Therefore, funds were used to build two new Sunday school classrooms in the rear of the old parsonage. 1959 ~ Twilight Vacation Bible School and Junior Church were instituted. "The Church Builder" was first published and the church office had its first full-time secretary. Church membership 1959-1962 was at 980. 1959-1960 ~ Church financial standing and morale of the membership was at a low ebb. The years following the church basement flood were years of great struggle to pay current expenses and secure funds to repair flood damages.		1961 ~ Due to state regulations and requirements, the old parsonage could no longer be used as educational annex and was closed February 1961. A financial campaign called "The Venture in Faith" was organized by C.B. Petree. Plans of the campaign were executed by committees of members of the local congregation. This campaign was a hug success. Gifts of money and three-year pledges reached a total over and above minimum building fund goal of $45,000 (over $60,000). Results of the campaign of 1961-63 were a real life saver for the church. During the fall months of 1961, the sanctuary was replastered, repainted and new lights installed in the sanctuary, men's Bible classroom and the vestibules. A new communion set was presented by the deacons to the church as a memorial to Mr. Guy Morris, a fellow deacon.
1962 ~ A picture was placed on the baptistry walls. The redecorated baptistry was dedicated April 29, 1962. On the same date, a new set of offering plates was presented as a memorial to Raymond Scott, elder. The parsonage on Bridge Street was purchased at a cost of $20,000. This was the home of Glenn Arnold, a realtor, who took the Second Avenue parsonage as part payment. Mr. John Palmer and family moved to the new parsonage in July 1962. Mr. Fulton, a Uniontown architect, drew temporary plans for a new educational building, to be erected on the site of the old parsonage on Franklin Street adjacant to the church building. 1963 ~ New Hymnals were placed in the sanctuary, and the MIssionary Guild was organized. 1964 ~ A new piano was place in the Men's Bible classroom. A new outside bulletin board was placed on the west side of the church. Shrubbery was planted around the church house. A new hot water heater and new copper water lines were installed. The original gas plumbing had to be replaced. A new sidewalk was laid on the Franklin Street side of the church building.
In October 1964, "Venture in Faith" campaign of three years was concluded. Fall of '64 saw no building project started and many questions were being asked why? After many meetings and much study by trustees and committees, a new venture "Forward Through Faith" was presented to the congregation. The vote was overwhelming to adopt this new venture and borrow additional funds necessary for construction of the new annex.
1965 ~ Mr. Fulton drew another set of blueprints for the proposed Educational Building. September 1965, Trustees let general contract for construction of the new building to local contractor, Russell Raymont. Contract for the plumbing and heating was given to Robert Bruno Co., Inc. in Washington, PA. The electrical contract was given to Blaker Electric, a local company. J. Paul King, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, very able and very faithfully served his church as inspector of the entire construction work and without any renumeration. William S. Hopkins removed the old parsonage and work on the new building was begun October 1965.		1966 ~ All difficulties accompany building project were surmounted and overcome. The new annex building was completed to a usable stage in March 1966; the entire building was used for the first time April 3, 1966. The total cost of the new Educational Building exclusive of furniture was $59,064.85. A piano was purchased for the Chapel with the Junior Church piano fund which had started in November 1964. The piano was placed in the Chapel, May 1966. 1966-1967 ~ The stained glass windows in the Chapel and furniture in the Chapel were paid for by classes and individuals "in memory of" or "in honor of" someone. Names of donars are recorded in the memory book placed in the sanctuary May 1967.
1968 ~ Emergency lighting system was installed. The last charter member passed away, May 1968.
1969 ~ Original gray slat roof of the church building had been repaired many times over the years. It now needed extensive repairs. It was replaced with asbestos shingles. (The new roof was largely financed by designated donation from estate of long-time member, Mrs. Nettie Blair). The church really did go "Forward Through Faith!" Weekly donations, bequests and other sizeable gifts designated for the Building Fund enabled the church treasurer not only to meet each monthly payment at the bank, but to make large payments on the principal several times a year. So, in April 1971, the church was able to make final payment on the debt in half the time originally established (it was made in 5 years and not in 10 years which was the original term of the loan). The members were so very proud of their achievements they wanted a special celebration on the accomplishment. A mortgage Burning Ceremony was held Sunday morning, July 18, 1971.		1972 ~ December, the old coal furnace with a conversion burner was replaced with a new gas furnace. 1974 ~ Marked the 75th Anniversary of the church, with Harold Newland, Amon McSwords and John K. Jones as guest speakers. 1979 ~ Extensive repairs were made to the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary. And a new roof was placed on the parsonage. 1980 ~ Glass doors were placed at the Morris and Franklin Street entrances. And a new kitchen was installed in the parsonage. 1981 ~ New ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary and the attic insulated. New storm windows were installed at the parsonage.
1982 ~ New front steps at the church entrance with heat cable was installed; and emergency lighting system was installed in the church building. 1984 ~ An electronic console was obtained for the pipe organ. The organ being such a beautiful part of our church, the members feel it important to maintain the organ. 1985 ~ New roof on church annex. New Sunday School class was started for young adults and names "Soul Seekers." 1986 ~ Protective covering was placed over stained-glass windows in the church. New outside bulletin board was erected in memory of William C. WOod, funds were contributed by family and friends. 1988 ~ The sound system was upgraded. New carpet in social room and adjoining classrooms downstairs. 1989 ~ Church kitchen was renovated with 2 new stoves, a refrigerator, new paneling and additional convenience items. New carpet was installed in the sanctuary, hallways, vestibules, both offices and the offices were repainted. Various items of office equipment have been placed in the officer over the past three years and additional shelving and bulleting obard space provided. Additional items such as new tables, chairs, high charis, nursery toys and various items of audio-visual equipment were purchased. The Men's Bible Class and the Progressive Class combined to form the "Progressive Bible Class."

Missionary Guild, 1963 ~~ First Christian Church has always had a mission study group. Form 1925 until 1940 there were two mission study groups. In 1940, the two groups were united and called "The Women's Council." It had a two-fold purpose: Mission study and furthering the work in the local church. The Council grew and its help was far reaching. Attendance reach 70. 1958-1959 ~ There was a change of ministers and with this change came a new approach to the mission study. In the year 1963, The Missionary Guild was organized; its main objective was to study missions, but it was also instrumental in having more missionaries visit the church. 1950-1988 ~ The list of visiting missionaries included the following names: Paul Bajko, Poland; Harld Simms, Japan; Elmer Kile, New York City; Damon Ellett, Mexico; Rempel, India; Robert Smith, Africa; David Lloyd Sanders, South America; Gene Dulin, Canada; Malcolm Coffey, Italy; Charles Jones, Germany; Dr. James Frasure, Africa; Mark Maxey and Paul Pratt, Japan; Laverne Morse, Bruma; Bob Vernon, TV Mission; Guy Mayfield, Italy; Brenda Vartenisian Guietterez, Mexico; Clark Dickerson, Toronto Christian Mission; Randy and Edie Nelson, Kenya; Dan and Debbie Bader, Kenya; and Starla Joy Sanders, Azevedo. Over the years additional names were placed on church membership rolls at regular church services. To serve the church and the community evangelistic services were held frequently. Earlier records are not available but from 1960 to the present, evangelists conducting these special meetings include the following: Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Smith, Paul Bajko, George Stansberry, Bob Vernon, Raldo Cook, Oliver Burd, LEster Pifer, David Eubanks, The Dill Family, Don Vernon and E. Richard Crabtree. First Christian has supported Camp Christian from it origin. Funds were contributed toward purchase of the land and buildings. Contributions have been made yearly toward the camp's maintenance and enlarging its facilities. Church further assisted by providing deans and cabin mothers, for the camp staff.

1959, Junior Church and Daily Vacation Bible School were instituted. In recent years, there have been those who wanted to leave a bequest to the church with the though in mind of helping the church and of an appreciative spirit of what the church meant to them. Included in this number are the names of James Franks, A. Lee Blair, Georgia Shondel, Mrs. T.J. (Bess) White, Ross Smith, Anna Thomas, Norma Jean Blackhurst and Mildred Lewis. At the west side of the church, a decorative garden has been placed as a memorial for Norma Jean Blackhurst. Witin the garden a Holly tree planted in memory of Mary K. Hoge. Norma Jean bequeathed a sizable sum of money to the church and Mary contributed so much of her time and talents for the programs of the church. Plaques have been placed on the church building noting these memorials. In our memorial book, the names of all persons for whom a memorial gift has been given, is inscribed. 1988 ~ The following items were performed during the year: Repaired floor of kitchen and adjoining rooms. Placed shelves in storage room in basement. Removed doors in basement. Placed new carpet in church basement. Replaced gas lines at parsonage. Updated materials in kindergarten room. Purchased new toys for nursery. 1989 ~ Purchased a refrigerator, two stoves and microwave with cart for kitchen. Placed glass blocks in kitchen windows. Purchased four tables and 40 folding chairs. Installed new glass at baptistry. Placed shelves in office. Painted sanctuary, overflow room and hallways. New carpet and subfloor placed in sanctuary hallways, offices and kindergarten room. New floor covering in parsonage kitchen. Purchased a vacuum sweeper. Places new carpet in chapel and nursery.
1990 ~ Purchased paper folder for office. Extensive organ repairs were done. A new baptistry pump was installed. Church windows painted and extensive work on stained-glass windows. Boiler replacement at parsonage. Curb and sidewalk repaired Morris Street side. Purchased range for parsonage. 1991 ~ Did extensive work at parsonage before Mike Duff moved into house. Purchased copy machine. Extensive work on church roof. 1992 ~ Concrete ramp installed on Franklin Street side, making the church sanctuary handicap accessible.		1994 ~ Water cooler purchased by the progressive class. Painted interior of church in several places. Purchased and installed new windows at parsonage. 1996 ~ Organ was cleaned and inspected. Interior of parsonage painted. Extensive vinyl tile in kitchen and basement bath at parsonage. New carpet installed on basement steps. 1997 ~ Painted chapel, kindergarten and nursery rooms. Placed handrails to friendship classroom and down basement steps.
1998 ~ physical aspects for our church included: Placed temporary ramp to basement. Ceiling work done in hallway. Had a softball team in church league after absence of many years. Placed new carpet in church basement. Moved organ console to the overflow room and placed new pews in overflow room to accommodate 30 people. Bill McDonald came to us in early.1997. New roof placed on annex. Praise service by Bob and Linda Harry was instituted and was very successful. Membership increased significantly and much thought was given to meeting the budget. Painted friendship classroom and installed new carpet. The new youth minister, Mike Murdock, joined our staff in October '98. In addition to the physical aspect of the church, there have been several innovations in personnel, procedures and activities. Laurel Harry - doing a great job as choir director, with a dozen members singing in the choir. Linda Harry served as the accompanist on both the piano and the organ. The organ has been moved to the overflow room to make more room on the platform. Nathan Lippencott has been playing for the youth program services. Our church is very blessed to have his wonderful musical talens. The praise service with songs, scripture reading and choruses under the direction of Bob Harry has been very popular. A pre-school program was instituted a few years ago under the direction of Mary Anne Duff and later by Darlene Haring. The program provided about a dozen children with supervised instruction and care. The Bonner program at Waynesburg College provided some help. A softball team returned in 1998, after a long absence; a softball team under the management of Gary Kennedy was in a local church league and did very well. Participation by both men and women was interesting. Gary has been attending studies at the Eastern Christian College in Maryland, training for the ministry. He is being supported by our congregation. Mike Murdock came in the fall of 1998 as our youth minister; he worked very hard to increase the various programs of the church. There were parties, teen convention, programs and several innovations for the youth. Bill McDonald, the minister, has been at our church for two full years and we saw a definite increase in attendance. There was a good attitude in our congregation with a oneness of spirit. Both ministers, Mike and Bill, have two children and expecting new babies in 1999. A wednesday night Bible study instituted by Mik Duff in 1993-94, was very popular. Bill McDonald continued with the program, which was both interesting and educational. The Christian Women's Fellowship worked effectively in the church and they provided dinners for the congregation and to families during times of bereavement. They did things outside the church and have become a working arm of our congregation. The missionary committee consisting of Linda Harry, Tressa Miller and Julia McDonald were very active in bringing in missionaries and seeing that giving was distributed. Our church was giving 12% of the budget for missionaries. This generally has been the activities of the church during the past few years. 1899-1999 "100th Anniversary for the First Christian Church in Waynesburg -- the anniversary committee was chaired by Erin Patterson, others on the committee were: Sally Bair Sara Bucciarelli Linda Fowler William McDonald Julia McDonald Helen Crutchfield Jim Zimmerman