“Believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is the Christ.” That’s what the early members of the Church of Christ in New York believed. This is the story of faith and perseverance of the Missionary Christian Church.
Let’s explore its origins and the challenges it overcame. The history of the Missionary Christian Church is a testament to faith. It mirrors the broader Restoration Movement.
In July 1920 several small groups united in Manhattan. They formed what would become the Manhattan Church of Christ. Early meetings took place in Woods Memorial Chapel on West 69th Street. This marked a significant moment in the Restoration Movement within New York City.
Interestingly a Church of Christ was first established in New York City way back on October 10 1810. A group influenced by Robert Sandeman broke from Ebenezer Baptist Church. They organized their own congregation. They were known as “the Church of Christ at New York” meeting on Sullivan Street.
Compared to other major events this New York founding occurred shortly after Thomas Campbell’s “Declaration and Address”. That’s often considered the founding document of the American Restoration Movement. Alexander Campbell had just arrived in New York City from Scotland.
In March 1818 the church sent a letter to churches in Europe and America. They sought others sharing their restorationist principles. They emphasized following the New Testament alone. They believed fellowship should include only those who confess that Jesus is the Christ. They stressed a precise order of worship derived from the New Testament. They rejected clerical privileges and practiced weekly communion. They also provided for the poor.
Between 1810 and 1920 the Restoration Movement saw much division. The church in New York soon joined the movement. In 1820 Walter Scott visited the congregation. He was drawn by Henry Errett’s treatise on baptism. In 1831 Alexander Campbell found the church troubled by divisions. He worked to unite the members. Throughout the 19th century the church met in different locations in Manhattan.
The first building the church owned was purchased in 1850 on West 17th Street. The inscription read “Disciples’ Meeting House”. During the Civil War the church opposed slavery. A women’s group ministered to wounded soldiers.
Near the end of the 19th century turmoil hit the church. Disputes arose over liberalism and moral standards. The movement divided into Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ. The Disciples side maintained ownership of the church’s real estate on West 56th Street.
Christians from the south connected with the Churches of Christ then came to New York. A small group met in Edna Lovell’s apartment. George M. McKee and his family worshipped in their home. The Johnson family from England also established a small church in their home.
The Johnson group and the McKee group united their efforts in Manhattan. Their first meeting likely occurred in July 1920. The Manhattan Church of Christ incorporated families from England the south and those who left the Central Christian Church. Morgan Carter became their first minister.
In 1924 the church moved to 58th Street. Around 1927 the congregation moved to the Pythian Temple on 70th Street. In 1929 the church divided its building fund. This delayed purchasing a permanent home in Manhattan.
In 1933 the congregation ordained its first elders. In 1939 the Hillsboro Church of Christ in Nashville aided the work in Manhattan. In 1941 H. P. Reeves found a suitable property. The A. M. Burton family donated toward the purchase of a townhouse on East 80th Street. On August 3 1941 the Manhattan Church of Christ began meeting in its new home.
In May 1955 Burton Coffman appointed Cy Young and Ralph Damp as elders. In October 1960 the church burned its mortgage. In 1964-1965 the World’s Fair in New York brought visitors to the church. In August 1966 the congregation moved services to the Campbell Funeral Home. On May 19 1968 they met for the first time in their new building.
The Manhattan Church of Christ has a rich history. It reflects faith perseverance and unity. As we stand here we remember the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before us. They laid the foundation for this vibrant community.