1881-2002
On Sunday morning, November 20, 1881, a small group of citizens of Jacksboro assembled at the Masonic Hall, and organized the Christian Church. It is believed that two lay preachers, D.B. Mizell and Tom Warden, were instrumental in the establishment of this congregation.
The first building was erected on Decatur Street, two blocks from the town square in 1883. Services were held on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 1883.
The church grew through the next two years, and the growth was indeed a series of shocks. Most of the unrest centered over the use of the organ. On November 25, 1879 a great tremor was felt; and when the dust settled, the "non-progressives" were "put out from among us." On the other hand, the results were such the "progressives" were without a building...possessing only an organ.
So, again, the Christian Church sought a house of worship. They began meeting in what was then, the new Court House. The church invited evangelists and traveling preachers to share with them. Some ministered to the congregation for extended periods.
On August 25, 1909 the trustees were empowered to secure a building site. They chose a lot for $300.00 at West Belknap and Second Street. On May 9, 1910 the congregation secured a $1000.00 loan from the Board of Church Extension and erected a building.
During the years (1910-1923) an ecumenical tradition was established with the Presbyterian Church sharing the worship services. Until the Presbyterians completed a building, the two congregations alternated Pastors on Sunday.
Students and faculty members from TCU served the church, each one making a contribution to the life and spirit of the fellowship.
The congregation made two very important changes on March 6, 1938. The first was a change from the old building to the new building. The second was to change the name from First Christian Church to Memorial Christian Church. The building was dedicated in loving memory to Henry James Hensley, Mrs. Frances Duke and Mary Ruth Richards on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1938.
In July of 1972, the church started looking for a minister. At the same time First Presbyterian Church of Jacksboro, was without a minister and they approached the Christian Church with the idea of a shared ministry. Both churches agreed and a pulpit committee was appointed, three members from each church. Many miles were traveled and ministers from both denominations were interviewed. A minister was secured and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) continue to rotate month by month with the First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a shared ministry.
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