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DISCIPLES OF CHRIST In 1804 our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has its origins on American soil when a Presbyterian minister, Barton W. Stone, and several followers broke their denominational ties to enter into unity with "the body of Christ at large"; calling themselves "Christians". In 1811 another group led by Presbyterian minister, Thomas Campbell, and his son, Alexander, began meeting independently; saying the church of Jesus Christ was one and open to all. Alexander Campbell became a leader of the "Disciples of Christ". The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" joined together with a formal handshake in 1832. The Disciples believe: 1. The bible is a guide for Christian living and faith. It reveals God's purpose in the world: to free us from sin through Christ. Each person is free to interpret these scriptures. 2. God is revealed in the Bible and through life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 3. Christ is the Son of God; part of God's own divinity, yet fully human. He is our Savior and is with us always. 4. In public confession of belief in Christ; repenting of our sins; and acceptance of Jesus into our lives. 5. Unity of ALL Christians in the love of Christ. 6. All members are "ministers" in the life and work of the church. 7. The ordinances of the Gospel: A. Baptism is an act by which a believer enters into the church universal. It is undertaken as a mature person by immersion after a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is symbolic of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, and faith in life to come. B. The Lord's Supper (communion) is the heart of worship, celebrated in remembrance of Christ and Christ's life on earth. Communion is celebrated on Sundays and special occasions; administered by lay people; and all Christians, of any denomination, are invited to participate. 8. Each local church (congregation) is independent to determine its own programs, staff, and finances. Each congregation is cooperative with other local churches and sends members to regional and national assemblies. (Excerpts from About the Christian Church, 2000 Edition. Channing L. Bete Co., Inc.)
Betty Treiber, Church Historian In October of 1896, in a hall in an historical neighborhood of south St. Louis, 17 people gathered to form a new church to be called the Carondelet Christian Church. Several years of struggles and moving from place to place caused the small group to be rather disheartened until the Reverend Gilbert E. Ireland was called as pastor. Soon the small church began to settle in and became a real entity in the neighborhood. Locating a lot at Dover Place and Alabama Avenue, the congregation were finally able to build a Sunday school building. In 1907 they held the first service and worship there until a sanctuary could be built. It was then that the name was changed to Dover Place Christian Church. The beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated in December, 1933. It faced Dover Place and adjoined the older building so as to appear as one unit. The oak paneling and pews, along with the muted colors of the stained glass windows lent a feeling of calm and peace to all who entered. The approximate cost was $25,000. A congregation of hard-working, dedicated persons brought the church through the years to the glorious celebration of its Centennial year in 1996. Life at Dover Place Christian Church marches on and now the 110th year will bring new dreams, new hopes and more dedication to a still bright future for the "little church around the corner" in the area of Carondelet in south St. Louis. PASTORS
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