History of First Christian Church

"Bargersville, Indiana, April 7,1861. Know all men by these present that we, the undersigned, have this day gone into a church organization upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone."

"Acknowledging no other creed or rules of decorum, but the Bible alone. To be known and designated as the Church of Christ at Bargersville."

This begins the charter of First Christian Church followed by a list of 32 names. The building was a log school house in Old Bargersville, with baptisms conducted first in Young’s Creek at the Ely Henderson ford and later in the John DeMott fishpond.

Tradition dates the earliest Sunday School to around the turn of the 20th century. The Try Circle Class was organized in 1912 and flourished for over 50 years. Other organizations whose roots date to this same period include the Ladies Aid Society and the Christian Endeavor Society.

In 1916 the congregation moved from its small white frame building in Old Bargersville to its present location. In 1919 the Missionary Society was organized, which became Christian Women’s Fellowship in 1960.

T.J.Bennett was the first full time minister, during World War I. The Walter Coburns were the first to live in the parsonage, and it was during the ministry of Richard Moore that the educational annex was built, dedicated in 1959.

Upon the retirement of Rev. Roger Gifford in July 2009, the pulpit has been filled by guest ministers, pending the hiring of an interim. During Roger's 28 year ministry to First Christian, the sanctuary was gutted and rebuilt (1990) and the entry, kitchen and Fellowship Hall were completely renovated (2000). Reverend Gifford brought an ecumenical ministry to First Christian Church, uniting Bargersville citizens with fellow Christians in Johnson County in worship, service and fellowship.

Current First Christian Church of Bargersville ministries include the Inter-Church Food Pantry, CROP Walk, Cystic Fibrosis Walk, International Day of Pancakes, CareNet Pregnancy Center, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. 

Compiled and Written by

Bev Hollandbeck

Church Historian