A brief look at Country Club Christian Church’s first 100 years.
History Timeline
A New Church
The first meetings under Frank Bowen’s direction to organize a new church are held in the Brookside Hotel (now Crestwood Condos). Bowen was the official Disciples of Christ “missionary” to the greater Kansas City area and the Director of the Kansas City Missionary Society in the early 20th century.
A First Gathering
60+ individuals meet in Community Hall, the second floor of the Brookside Building; Dr. George Hamilton Combs, recently retired from Independence Boulevard Christian Church, is suggested as minister to the new church. A number of the Charter members are transfers from Independence Boulevard Church, part of a movement south into the suburban […]
The First Sermon
Dr. Combs preaches first sermon to the group, “Our Program.”
Meeting at Community Hall
Thirty-four members meet with J.C. Nichols at Community Hall, and then reconvene at 61st and Ward Parkway to inspect the potential site.
The First Section
First completed section (essentially the education wing today) is ready for use; the room is noisy and crowded, used for worship and Sunday School; the men cut a hole in the ceiling so they could have a place to meet.
Chimes
Ella Clark Loose gifts the church with a full set of chimes.
Sanctuary Dedicated
The newly constructed Sanctuary is dedicated.
Dr. Warren Grafton
Dr. Combs retires. He is succeeded by Dr. Warren Grafton (pictured) who will lead the Church through World War II and a major renovation to the Sanctuary. Dr. Grafton resigns in 1953, accepting a new pulpit in Detroit; he is succeed by Dr. Ewart Wyle, who resigns in 1959.
Dr. Lawrence Bash
Dr. Lawrence Bash is installed as Senior Minister.
Dr. Eugene Brice Called
Upon the retirement of Dr. Bash, Dr. Eugene Brice becomes Senior Minister.
First Female Minister
The church’s first female minister, Rev. Carla Aday, was appointed Minister of Singles.
Dr. Robert Cueni
Dr. Robert Cueni becomes Senior Minister.
Zappia Sculpture Dedicated
In 1971, church members Oscar Nelson and Don and Lucille Armacost purchased “The Last Supper” as a gift to the church. After being on loan to other Kansas City institutions for nearly 30 years, a permanent display was created at the church. The sculpture sits in front of a stone wall in […]
Dr. Glen Miles Called as Senior Minister
Dr. R. Glen Miles becomes Senior Minister.
Mission Trip to South Africa
The first of three adult mission trips to South Africa is commissioned. The team works to build an AIDS hospice.
Tower Renovation Begins
Work to renovate structural and exterior aesthetic issues with the church’s iconic tower begins.
First LGBTQ Minister Ordained
Rev. Justin Zeigler is the first LGBTQ minister ordained at Country Club Christian Church.
Rev. Carla Aday Called
Rev. Carla Aday is called as the church’s first female Senior Minister.
