About Us
|
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT MARIETTA / RENO Several months, and possibly years prior to December 1990, faithful area brethren had concluded that a sound congregation of the Lord’s Church was desperately needed in the Marietta area. Trends toward Liberalism rolled on and many liked it that way. But, there were some who knew this was dangerous ground and pressed forward with a new work in the Marietta/Reno area. Brothers Sheldon Blair and Joe Schofield worked together to begin organizing a congregation, which would allow those of the area who wished to follow the conservative effort to worship in spirit and in truth. When it became public knowledge that a new congregation was starting and that it would challenge the liberal viewpoints, many who promised to stand for the truth and support this work, began to withdraw. Never the less, in December of 1990 a small group of Christians met for the first time as the "Church Of Christ at Fourth St." (the location of the temporary meeting place). A considerable amount of verbal, and written opposition followed, but many faithful brothers and sisters from sound congregations from all over, began to show their support. Several preachers donated their time, a local utility company allowed us to meet in their training room free of charge for quite some time and the members, although few in number, worked very hard and diligently to help the work prosper. The Marietta/Reno congregation was based on the long time plea, "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent". We studied and spoke out strongly on issues such as, "the social gospel", Benevolence, Authority and many other topics which have been debated with-in the Church. We evangelized our friends, neighbors and Families. We had many guest speakers to come and speak on certain topics from time to time. Some of those men included, Paul Rockwell, John Underwood, Delbert Westbrook, John Veyon, and many others to numerous to mention. We wish to thank everyone who was instrumental in helping this work begin and continue to grow. When the average attendance reached approximately thirty, and the financial means were available, we began to build a new building on property we had purchased in Reno Ohio. Several men signed their names promising to fulfill the financial responsibilities should anything cause the Church to be unable to pay the necessary expenses. After lengthy dealings with architects, contractors and various suppliers the building was completed and as always the members and other brethren who physically or financially supported this effort did much work. In 1994 we began to meet in the new building here in Reno and the work continued to grow and prosper from there. During the years to follow many hard issues and problems were dealt with. Several members moved to different parts of the country for health or work related issues and the faces of the congregation changed dramatically but the work and goals remained the same. In 1997 it was decided that a full time evangelist was needed and after meeting with several men and hearing them preach, Keith Malone from the Utica Ohio area was selected. He and his family relocated to Marietta and begin working with the brethren here. From the start of the congregation, several have obeyed the Gospel, some have fallen away, some have moved away, and some have passed away and some remain with us. We have conducted Gospel meetings, Vacation Bible schools, Bible correspondence courses, domestic and foreign evangelism and many other things in an effort to spread the Gospel of Christ. Presently Eric Krieg is working with the congregation in spreading the Gospel. The current attendance stands at approximately sixty and growing. Please pray for the continued success of the work here at Marietta/Reno. |