“Humble beginnings,” they say. That’s a fitting description for the story we’re about to explore at Vinewood Church of Christ. This church’s story connects to another congregation’s birth.
Picture two men on a bus. These men were S.J. Mankin and Hershel Gillenwater. They were heading home from worship at Vinewood Church of Christ in Detroit. Their conversation sparked an idea.
These men discussed starting a new congregation. This was in the fall of 1925. Word spread quickly about their plan in Lincoln Park.
On December 1, 1925, the first meeting happened. It was at Bro. Mankin’s house. The house was at 1021 Mayflower. Fourteen adults and two children attended. Hugh Hemingway from Vinewood congregation preached that day. He gave the first sermon to the new church. The new church was called Lincoln Park Church of Christ.
By spring, they outgrew the house. They rented a room in Raupp School. The school stood at Cicotte and Ethel streets. Soon they moved into the school’s gymnasium.
The members wanted their own building. They used the treasury and loans from members. They bought a lot at Chandler and Progress. They built the building themselves to save costs.
The first floor had one room for church services. The second floor had five rooms. The preacher and his family lived there. The first service was in December 1926. It was one year after the first meeting. Three services were needed. S.M. Jones from Beamsville, Ontario, spoke.
A.B. Gunter became the first full-time preacher in November 1928. He was from Pearl, Mississippi. He served until 1930. Since then, 13 other men served as full-time preachers. Many dedicated men have led and shaped the Lincoln Park Church of Christ. These included J.W. Shepherd, W. Claytus Anderson, and Ron White.
By 1940, the congregation grew quickly. A building committee formed. They looked for a new site. In 1945, three lots were purchased. These lots were at Fort Street and Progress. This is where the church stands today.
Ground broke for the basement in July 1947. The Chandler building sold. Services moved to Goodell School’s gymnasium. The new basement held its first service in February 1948. Fifty families attended. By 1952, the auditorium finished. Two morning services became necessary.
In 1961, the building was remodeled. Classrooms, restrooms, and offices were added. The front entrance was reconfigured. More remodeling happened in the late 60s. A balcony added classroom space. In the mid 80s, a foyer and elevator added. This made the building accessible.
Vinewood Church of Christ played a vital role in the story of another church. This shows the power of community and shared faith.