History

Maurice Trimble, was a circuit preacher during the Restoration Movement, who traveled through the Ohio-Mississippi River Valley. Throughout this area he was instrumental in helping establish many Disciple Christian Churches. While residing in Knox Co. IN, he helped organize the First Christian Church of Lawrenceville, IL, in 1833, with a congregation of 41 signatures on the charter. They met in homes, in school buildings, and during nice weather, on the Court House Lawn.

During the next 20 years, there was a change in membership as people moved on and others came in. Following a few reorganizations, in 1854, the congregation felt strong enough to build their first church. The land and $1,000.00 for the building was given by one member. The congregation continued to grow and in 1896, a second building was constructed at the same location. At the dedication, the newspaper declared the building “A Temple of Beauty”. This was used until 1924, when the building burned completely, caused by an overheated boiler, just before Sunday School.

Two years later, a new church was dedicated and is still being used today. In 1964, an Educational Building was constructed and is located behind the church. During the “Great Depression” fearing they might be unable to pay off the mortgage of the new church, the ladies began serving dinners for service clubs and to the public. From this, we became known as the “church where you could be fed physically as well as spiritually”. Our congregation has always been involved in community activities; including a tent at the local Fall Festival for which we were recognized for super soup, sandwiches, and pies from 1954 – 2004.

From the 1950’s into the new century, when church memberships were flourishing, we had a very active Sunday School Program and Vacation Church School. Two of our most successful years were spent at alternate sites away from our property. One year we went to a state park nearby and the ladies of the church delivered our lunch. Another year we met at the local park, beginning the day with a cook-out breakfast, and followed by a service, we finished with an hour of swimming. For many years we were instrumental in organizing a community VCS.

The congregation has supported missions for individuals, with our brotherhood, state and world organizations assisting in disasters, the hungry and underprivileged. As well as helping to establish new churches. We have had fellowships for men, women, youth, and for 15 years provided a day care. Outside groups have used our building for their meetings and programs.

Even though we are not as active as we were before, we feel very fortunate that we were able to celebrate our 175^th anniversary in 2008, as we continue to remain on the same property. We are experiencing the same problems as most churches today, as our congregation is older and not able to do many of the activities of the past. We struggle to provide the necessary upkeep of a large building. But our faith is strong and we enjoy the fellowship and support of each other.