The Way It Was! By Paul Miller

The following article was in The Spire, a monthly Christ Church Magazine, in 2001 prior to the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Christ Church. It was written by one of the founding members.   

 THE WAY IT WAS! By Paul Miller  
SAY WHAT YOU THINK, BUT THINK WHAT YOU SAY  

There have been critical times in our church history when a decision meant going forward or in reverse. The first critical issue happened in April of 1951. A door-to-door survey had been taken to determine if a Methodist Church was needed. Interested Methodists met on a Sunday afternoon at Dorothy Lane School and pondered the survey results.  

The District Superintendent was not sure that this was the proper time to start a new small church. He already had some struggling small churches who needed help, and he did not want to add another. The superintendent wondered if it would be a good opportunity for a young minister to take on this challenge.   

Dr Foote from Grace Church rose to say, “There is no greater opportunity!” Chick Craig then said,” We have been thinking about this since 1948. I move that we form the church and have our first service next Sunday.”  

The service was held on the next Sunday, and we have had a service every Sunday since. The opportunity for a “young minister” was filled by 72-year-old retired minister Robert Foster in a spectacular manner.  

In 1964, the construction of an educational unit, chapel, pipe organ, extended sanctuary, etc., was being considered. The Building Committee sought the advice of a Philadelphia fundraising consultant. He said, “Based on the average Methodist Church, I do not think you can support this project.” At that point, Earl Johnson stood and said, “We are unique, not an average church, and we have the ability to do great things. I believe we should do it.” Result: We did it! 

 When the next decision time comes, Let’s hope we have a Chick Craig, a Dr Foote or an Earl Johnson who will stand up and say, “I am not just saying what I think personally. I am thinking about what will move Christ Church forward.”