Christians United Church

The History of CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH

Luke 25:4-5 —And he spoke this parable unto them saying “What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of the, cloth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath fond it he layeth it on his shoulder, rejoicing.

 

Deacon George Jones, sensing that the need for worship services for many former members of New Hope Baptist Church were not being met, and feeling a responsibility as a religious leader in the community, consulted Sister Clevie Casher about using the den of her home for worship services. Sister Casher thought the request not to be serious at first, later consulted with other potential members and within a week Deacon Jones secured a minister, Rev. John Langham, Sr. and the service was planned.

The first service of the CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH was held on Sunday. July 20, 1997 in the home of Sister Clevie Casher, Doyle Avenue, Mobile, AL 36605. Rev. Langham provided the message. The Lords Supper was served to those present and later administered to sick members at home. Rev. Langham refused compensation.

Matthew 16:18 —And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

History, a record of the past, pointing to the future will show that the spirit which existed as preparations were made for the first services of what would become CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH was a true spirit from God.

Sister Casher was asked to assess for us the mood which existed in her home prior to the first service. Sister Casher was extremely happy, smiled graciously and reflected on the mood which I hope to capture for history. She said that the people were hungry, they were beautiful. They were looking for the opportunity to restore a fellowship and worship God with their friends. They were looking for somewhere to “heal”. She reflected on Deacon Jones’ role in securing a preacher who was most able to feel our needs and offer spirit filled messages and good counsel.

Sister Casher was asked why she felt God used her home for the first service. She replied that “she was glad God found her home worthy of such honor. In response to a question about the message, Sister Casher said she felt the message made us feel right at home.”

For the next four Sundays services were held in the home of Sister Casher. Sister Casher described these services as fulfilling, real, mid spiritual. She says that the bonds between the members grew even stronger. The increase in church attendance was such that more space was needed.

 Record of Early Services:

August 3, 1997, sermon by Rev. Langham, Offering $203.88

August 10, 1997, sermon by Rev. Langham, Offering $697.70

August 17, 1997, sermon by Rev. Langham, Offering $612.25

August 21, 1997, sermon by Rev. Langham, Offering $839.00

On Sunday, August 17, 1997 a business meeting was held prior to the church services. The moderator of the meeting was Deacon Jones and Rev. Langham. It was at this meeting that:

It was decided to organize and go forth as a new church;

The following positions and committees were motioned and seconded: Secretary — Sister Emma Perry; Financial Secretary — Sis Andreda Perez; Treasurer — Bro. Joseph Perry; Finance Committee members; Sister Melvina Bryant, Sister Andreda Perez, Deacon Frank Coleman, Deacon Percy Crawford (not present volunteered), Sit Emma Perry, and Bro. Joseph Perry;

It was voted that the name of the new church is “CHRISTIANS UNITED CHRISTIAN CENTER” suggested by Sis Jewel Carl.

At a business meeting held on August 29, 1997 the following positions and officers were named:

Church Secretary — Sister Wanda Jones;

Deacons — Tommie Young, Frank Coleman, Raymond Easley, Percy Crawford, and George Jones;

Trustees — Fletcher Archibald, Sr., Percy Crawford, Frank Coleman, James McMillian, Mike Perez, Charles Jackson, Douglas Montgomery, Richard Hayes, Abraham Orr, Joe Perry was appointed Chairman;

Financial Secretary — Frank Coleman;

Assistant Financial Secretary — Andreda Perez;

Treasurer —Fletcher Archibald, Sr.;

Church Clerk - Percy Crawford.

The church was incorporated as CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH OF DAUPHIN ISLAND PARKWAY on September 29, 1997.

The move was made to larger facilities at 3308-B Dauphin Island Parkway. Mobile, AL 36605 and Rev. H. N. Edwards was called as the first pastor of the CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH

The congregation grew and continued to be spirit filled, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit the church was led to purchase the current building at 2576 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile, AL 36606.

Rev. John H. Brown was called as Pastor in early 2001 and served through December 2002.

In November 2003 Rev. Alfonso Hires, Sr. was called as the third Pastor of the CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH and currently serves as the Undershepherd. It is under this current leadership that we continue to meet the needs of the total man in our community and our city.