Elliott Church celebrating 100 years in present location

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Dawn LeRette.

In May 1911 the vision of the Elliott Church of Christ building began. Throughout the past 100 years, the church property has seen numerous changes. It has encountered flood waters, welcomed many pastors and their families and remains up to date to maintain the needs of the community and those it serves.

The Elliott Church of Christ came into existence in 1880.  The church congregation first met in homes and in the upper level of a livery stable located on Elliott’s Main St.  

They also met in a little church building formerly owned by the United Presbyterian Church. 

May 3, 1886, the congregation purchased land at 4th and Linden Streets in Elliott.  In 1900 and 1901 the first Elliott Church of Christ building was built.  

The membership grew so rapidly that by January 1911 the property was sold, while plans were being made for a larger church.  

The first church building still stands today and has been converted into a single family dwelling.  

In May 1911, four lots were purchased at the west end of Elliott’s business district. 

Construction began immediately, however work came to a halt when the construction crew failed to show up for work. A new crew was brought in to finish the job.

The large brick structure had the seating capacity of 1,000. This included the main sanctuary, overflow sanctuary and a balcony. The glass art work windows, in the sanctuary, portrayed “The Holy City” and “The Garden of Gethsemane.” The glass art work in the dome exhibited the “Holy Bible.”

The two-story structure was complete with a basement which included a kitchen, dining room, fellowship hall, restrooms and storage. The main floor housed the sanctuary, offices, choir loft, Sunday school classrooms and library. The second story consisted of additional classrooms and the balcony. The building costs and lots totaled $23,000.  

In 1912, the building was complete. On Feb. 3-4, a dedication service was held.  Burlington Northern Railroad ran a special train carrying passengers from Red Oak and Stennett to attend the dedication service. For the following two weeks, evangelistic services were held with an average attendance of 625.  

Throughout the past 100 years, many changes and updates have taken place. The basement has been carpeted and dry walled, the kitchen has been remodeled and  restroom was added to the main level. The dome was enclosed, air conditioning was installed and most recently, a lift was added to transport passengers from the ground level to the basement or the main level. The church has also bought and sold parsonages. Properties were located on Elm and Front Streets in Elliott.

The church congregation remains active in the community. Each Sunday, worship services and Sunday school classes are offered for all ages. There is an active Wednesday night Bible study group and the men’s fellowship meets the first Sunday of each month.  The youth are involved in the morning worship service, participate in camps, New Way Singers and missions.   

Annual events include a Valentine's Day celebration, Mother’s and Father’s Day recognition, Family Fun Night, Good Friday, Easter sunrise services, and the Elliott Days lunch in the park and parade.  Special acknowledgements are observed at Memorial and Veteran’s Day.  

The Elliott Church of Christ co-hosts community Vacation Bible School, Elliott Days church service in the park and a Thanksgiving dinner and church service with the Elliott Methodist Church. The year is complete with a children's Christmas program, caroling party and Christmas Eve Candle Light Services.  

To celebrate the 100th birthday of the church building and 132 years as a congregation, the Elliott Church of Christ will observe a centennial celebration, “Shining His Light,”  Sept. 2.  

The day begins at 10 a.m., with a special worship service followed by a potluck dinner. 

Former pastors and their families will share memories of Elliott and the church. Letters from past attendees will be shared. A video tribute will show pictures of the past 100 years. Photos gathered include families, events held in the church and church sponsored activities.

Secretary records, women’s circle minutes and attendance registers will be displayed.  

At 2 p.m., the Red Oak based gospel quartet, “Reconciled” will perform.  “Reconciled” includes the vocals of Tim and Terra Marsden, Mike Harvey and Jim Dunbar and their accompanist and vocalist, Pat Dunbar.  A men’s quartet led by Doug Turner of Elliott will also sing.  The celebration will conclude with refreshments and fellowship.

The Elliott Church of Christ invites all members, attendees and community friends to attend the celebration and help “Shine His Light” into the next 100 years.