The story of the First Christian Church at Lake Charles stretches back to 1892.

Who were the founders of the First Christian Church in Lake Charles?

In 1892, C. E. Hickman and his family moved to Lake Charles from Nebraska.  He found three members of the Disciples movement living on the 1100 block of Hodges Street.  They were the Molers, the Davidsons, and the J. W. Mudgetts.  These three families, along with the Hickman family formed the beginning of the church.  Soon after, they were joined by the J. C. Ramseys, the J. M. Sutherlands, and the Eglestons.  The women of these families formed a Ladies Aid Society. 

What was the official beginning date of the First Christian Church?

In June of 1894, Elder A. J. Bush of Texas came to Lake Charles and found fifteen members of the Disciples of Christ.  He organized an evangelistic meeting in February of 1895 which was held in the old courthouse. 

When was the first minister called to the church?

In December of 1895, Claude L. Jones of Texas was called as the first minister of the church.  Shortly thereafter, a charter was adopted making the First Christian Church of Lake Charles a legal corporation capable of owning property and transacting business.  The members met in the Masonic Hall.

What was the first church building owned by the First Christian Church?

The first church building was located on the corner of Iris and Hodges Streets.  The lot was purchased by the women’s organization for $180.00.  The building was dedicated on May 17, 1886.

What happened to the church piano in the “big fire” of 1910?

The Robert A. Brown’s family of nine daughters and two sons were members of the church when the big fire struck Lake Charles.  Everyone in the family was a musician and they had their own orchestra.  On the day of the fire, the first thing the family thought of was the new piano in the church.  The girls went over to the church and managed to get the piano out the door and across the street when they saw that their house was burning.  They left the piano on the sidewalk where it burned. 

Side note:  At the March, 1903 board meeting of the First Christian Church, insurance on the church building was increased to $2,000 with a $500 deductible.  In April of 1910 a fire in downtown Lake Charles destroyed the church building.  The piano was taken out of the church and placed on what was thought to be a safe place from the fire.  However, the air was so filled with cinders and flying debris that all the furniture in the safe place was ignited and burned.  Insurance could not be collected for the loss of the piano because it was not in the building at the time.  The church burned down and was rebuilt in 1911 on the corner of Hodges and Kirby Street, about two blocks north of the previous location.  The church was now on the trolley car route and highly visible to local residents. 

Did First Christian Church ever worship in a tabernacle?

After the fire of 1910, the church acquired property on the corner of Hodges and Kirby streets.  The congregation began the process of building what they called a “tabernacle” on the newly acquired property.  In the December, 1911 board meeting, there was a discussion concerning whether to use individual chairs or pew in the worship room.  Chairs were decided upon and pews had to wait until 1930. 

What was the largest membership recorded for the First Christian Church?

In 1958, a record was set for membership with a total of 524 members.  The large increase in membership was largely due to the location of Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles. 

When was the current building completed?

After purchasing a lot in 1950, the church was concerned with increasing the building fund so that a new church could be built at 2525 2nd Avenue, the current location.  Ground breaking ceremonies at the new location were held on October 17, 1954.  Dedication day was observed June 19, 1955 and the new building set a record for attendance in all departments – Bible School and worship service. 

When did the First Christian Church celebrate one hundred years of worship and activity in Lake Charles?

Dr. Elywn and Ollie Cavin chaired the Centennial Celebration of First Christian Church to be held in 1994.  A variety of events were held.  Dr. Joe Cash authored and edited a book entitled, Centennial History 1894-1994 that detailed our heritage.