History:

The First Christian Church in Fulton, Missouri has a long and interesting history.  Just a decade after Missouri had become a state; four families arrived in Fulton from Kentucky.  Their numbers grew over the next few years and by 1833, they had named Absalom Rice as their Elder.  This event is regarded as the organizational beginning of the church in Fulton.

The arrival in Fulton preceded the meeting of the founding leaders of the Christian Church and Disciples of Christ, Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell, in 1832.  This meeting culminated in the two frontier movements working together.  In 1852, Alexander Campbell preached through out the Fulton area during a visit.  Barton W. Stone resided in Hannibal, Missouri at his death.As the years passed, the congregation of fifty souls met in private homes or public buildings. By 1844, it was clear that a church building was a necessity.  Good fortune was with them!  Mr. and Mrs. I.O. Hockaday deeded lot 169 in downtown Fulton to the church members for the sum of one dollar.  Now the group began construction on a brick church that would cost $2,000.  Absalom Rice continued as pastor for a while.  It seems that the notion of a “hired minister” was viewed rather dimly.

During the 1840's several revivals were held and membership grew so that by 1850, the membership numbered 201.  The elders at that time were James Basket, Dr. John W. Martin and James K. Sheley.  The Deacons were Dr. William B. Stone (Barton W. Stone’s son), Jefferson F. Jones, Henry T. Wright and Samuel Hensley.  These men were the “founding fathers” of the church and they set their sights on building a lasting institution in the town.

For 37 years, the small, brick church served the congregation well.  Following a revival in 1883, the membership grew by 46 souls.  The increase in membership plus the bad condition of the building resulted in plans for a new church on the same spot as the first one.  In order to convince the congregation of the need for a new home, the preacher called a special evening meeting.  When the people saw the stars shining through their old roof, the need for a new building was obvious!

The second building would cost $10,000.  As soon as that amount was in sight, the old building was torn down and construction began.  The architect for the building was M.F. Bell, a renowned local designer.  The finished structure was dedicated in 1884.  It was much larger and fancier than its predecessor.  It had a balcony on three sides and a tall bell tower complete with a sweet sounding church bell.  Also, a pipe organ that was manufactured in St. Louis arrived in 1891, much to the delight of local music lovers.

By 1911, a push for a new building was again begun.  This was by far the largest undertaking in the history of the church.  The new $65,000 structure would be paid for by individual contributions.  It is faced with Iowa granite brick and trimmed with Carthage stone. The sanctuary is Akron Auditorium style.   The cornerstone was laid during a Masonic ceremony on May 29, 1911 and the church was officially dedicated on March 10, 1912.

The history of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Fulton, Missouri began in 1833 and continues into the 21st Century. It is a story of the men, women and children who have contributed to its spirit of vitality through those many years and into the future.