We Have a Living History

WACC, Beloved,

One meaningful gift a pastor can receive is the history of the congregation. Not too long after starting here, someone gave me a copy of Elyria Disciples, Henry K. Shaw’s historical booklet about our congregation. I’m thrilled to share that his book is now available electronically through our church website.

Originally published in 1956 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Washington Avenue Church of Christ (the former name of our congregation), this remarkable little book tells the story of the Disciples of Christ in Elyria from the earliest frontier preaching days in the 1820s through the building of the Washington Avenue church.

Shaw’s history is more than a record of dates and buildings. His story (did y’all catch that pun?!) is a narrative of vision, courage, sacrifice, and faith, from the five Disciples who purchased a meetinghouse in 1880 before a congregation had even been formally organized, to the many members who gave money, labor, leadership, and love to shape the church’s life across generations. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this: “Under pressure, and with God’s help, sometimes the impossible can be accomplished.” Y’all–with God’s help–have proven that claim to be true again and again.

I’d love to know what you think, too. My wager is that you’ll find familiar themes that still speak to us today: a congregation adapting to changing times, supporting mission, weathering war and economic hardship, and daring to take “the risk of faith” when the future was uncertain. Faith and risk are woven into our DNA!

I invite you to take some time with this wonderful piece of our shared story. Whether you are a longtime member, newer to the congregation, or simply curious about the roots of our church, Elyria Disciples offers a meaningful glimpse into the people and faith that helped bring us to this day.

Shaping history with you–and with God’s help,