Imagine a dream taking root in a humble home. That dream sparked the DeSoto Christian Church.
In 1957, before DeSoto Christian Church existed, Jefferson County only had two Christian churches. They were in Hematite and Festus. A group of 24 people met at Mr. and Mrs. Bert McGuire’s home. They wanted to know how many people were interested in a New Testament Christian Church in the DeSoto area. The decision was unanimous to proceed.
DeSoto Christian Church held its first meeting on February 10, 1957. It took place at the Knights of Pythias Hall. The cost was $7.50. Homer Thebeau fired up the pot belly stove for heat. George Gahr, the minister from Fairview Christian Church in Festus, preached. Forty-three people attended the service. The first collection totaled $49.40. A special offering added $17.00. This was all in hopes of purchasing a church building of their own.
Only a month later, on March 16, 1957, the group decided to buy a building. The property was at Third and Boyd. It was previously Frieden’s Evangelical Church. The members of DeSoto Christian Church moved into their new home with $250 earnest money and a $61.29 mortgage. Over the next decade, they replaced the furnace. They also added more classrooms and enlarged the sanctuary.
Mrs. J. L. Wilkinson said something special. She said this was a wonderful meeting. It showed thought about starting another church in the community. It would call forth much more effort. But she knew they would receive a greater blessing.
In 1998, a committee formed to plan a building fund program. In April 2000, the Building Committee met. They picked the location for the new building. Then they sought congregational approval. The congregation voted to move forward with the building plan and land purchase.
After a groundbreaking ceremony on July 16, 2000, the present DeSoto Christian Church was built. The plans included evangelizing the lost. They also wanted to edify the saved. Ministering to those in need was a goal too. The church wanted to be an influence in the community. The church’s current location is at 4151 Fountain City Road. It now contains the original church bell. They hope to use it again one day.
What started as a meeting of 24 people grew. By the end of 1957, membership reached 44. Mrs. Wilkinson’s statement was followed by 50 years of blessings. Many more are to come. DeSoto Christian Church became known as “The new church on the hill!”
Unfortunately, in November 2005, the old church building at 2nd and Boyd burned down. The old church bell was saved. Now it is safe at the new building. The church did not own the building. But there was still disappointment and fond memories.
DeSoto Christian Church continues to grow. An addition to the building was added. The trailer and small nursery addition were removed. They made way for a 9000 sq ft addition. It was dedicated in 2011. It gave them a new larger auditorium. There is also a large foyer and several classrooms. Additional restrooms and a church office were included. The old auditorium became a fellowship hall and multi-purpose room.
DeSoto Christian Church welcomes you. It seeks to love the Lord. It also wants to love others. Building relationships is its goal. Relationships with God and with others.
God continues His Kingdom work through this congregation.