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November 1 & 2, 2008, we will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Central church of Christ in Tuscaloosa and we want you to come and be a part of it. There have been so many fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ who have greatly contributed to the great heritage that still exists at this location. And the work continues.
This November weekend will also be the University of Alabamaxs Homecoming and, as it has become our tradition on that weekend every year, we will celebrate our 80th anniversary and also welcome xhomex all of our former students, parents, past and present members.
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In 1926, a small group of Christians began to meet at the Swanson home. In 1928, this group of Christians met at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse and then in 1933, the congregation began meeting in the Ritz Theater. In 1937, this dedicated group of Christians were able to purchase some property located on the corner of 6th Street, just behind the old Tuscaloosa Police Station. After renovations to add the auditorium and classrooms, they met for the first time December 5, 1937 with Bro. Leon C. Burns conducting the service.
Bro. O. J. Henley and Bro. L. Taggert were appointed as the first elders at this location. Since that beginning, over the past 80 years, the saints meeting at the Central church of Christ have had a major impact on the City of Tuscaloosa and the world with mission work extending into Kenya Africa. There have been so many positive works that have come to fruition as a result of the establishment of this work. Other congregations of the Churches of Christ were established in the City of Tuscaloosa and Northport as our numbers grew and the need to be closer to a certain part of the city or county developed. As time passed and the work grew at 6th Street, the elders decided to purchase property located on our present site of Wood Manor and Hargrove Road. A new building was constructed and on August 13, 1967 the saints met for the first time in our new facility.
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In April of 1996, one of our Sister congregations, the High Forest church of Christ, merged with our Central Family adding an additional 25 families. Brothers Joe Higgins and Bill Giles, elders of the High Forest congregation, were added to our eldership. Consequently, the Central Family has been so wonderfully blessed by the addition of our High Forest members by their energy, talent and Spiritual knowledge. As far as our current members, Sister Mary Nealeans and Brother Woody Latham, Sr. are the remaining members of this original group. Because of them and because of you, we have a great reason to celebrate the heritage established over the last 80 years.
Since the beginning of this year, we have been involved in implementing new goals for the future growth of Central. As part of the first step, we have completed a remodeling of a great portion of the building which included: replacing our heating and air conditioning system, remodeling the auditorium, foyer, library, classrooms, bathrooms and repainting in most areas. This was needed due to the normal wear that buildings experience after years of use.
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