In the early spring of 1914, a group of people with deep religious convictions decided that a Sunday School should be started in Glendale, Arizona. These people had been worshipping in the Methodist and First Baptist Churches, but they were seeking a church of their own faith, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Arrangements were made to hold meetings in the rooms above an old grocery store which was then known as the Ryan Evans Building, and later known as the Walgreens Drug Store Building. Mr. H.J. Reading was the Sunday School Superintendent for many months. Later, a canvas was taken to determine if there were enough members belonging to the Christian Church faith to organize a congregation in Glendale. The results of the survey indicated that there were quite a number. Therefore, a special meeting was called on September 6, 1914 by the Rev. R.E. Dunlap, State Secretary and Missionary, with the meeting being held in the original Glendale Women's Club House. Twenty-five persons attended that meeting.

It was decided to hold a service every night for one week in the First Baptist Church and on Sunday in the Woman's Club. Due to the great success of these services, it was decided to organize a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Sunday, September 20, 1914, under the leadership of the State Secretary, R.E. Dunlap. There were 29 charter members, as follows:

By unanimous vote the following officers were elected:

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1917

1940

1960 - New Land

On December 1, 1914, Mr. Dunlap introduced the Rev. O.E. Ames as the first resident minister of the congregation. During Brother Ames' pastorate, a session of the Arizona Christian Missionary Society's Annual Convention was entertained by the Church. Early in 1916, a building committee was organized with Mr. Dunlap, State Secretary, as Chairman; Mr. J.B. Ingram, Vice-Chairman; Mr. R.H. Miller, Secretary; Mr. Asa Grahm, Treasurer. Milton Ewing was elected as Secretary to relieve Mr. Miller who resigned. Other members of the committee included: W.D. Nixon, H.J. Reading, J.A. Meritt, E.F. Stabler. Canvasing for building funds began in March. Due to failing health and subsequent death on June 6 of his wife, the Rev. Mr. Ames closed his ministry with the congregation. Because of this, there was a lapse of work until the Fall at which time the State Board of Missions came to the rescue by offering the full time service of State Secretary Dunlap for $60.00 per month for one year. In November, the State Secretary moved to Glendale and the building campaign began.

On December 7, a banquet was held for men. First drafts of the church building were exhibited and studied. A building site was also discussed and a lot at 7154 N. 58th Drive was purchased. A trip to Wilcox had to be made to go over drawings with the architect, C.B. Woodruff, before blueprints could be ordered. On February 4, a bank account was opened at the Glendale State Bank. Gravel was hauled in and men began their work. Excavation of the basement was completed in five days. The cornerstone was laid March 19, 1917, with the Rev. David C. Roberts of the Methodist Church offering the dedicatory prayer. On April 2, chairs were ordered, and the same day, the brick work was completed and the plastering begain. Later in March, the Church Board and Building Committee decided to go ahead with the dedication without waiting for completion of the building.

On Sunday, May 13, 1917, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was formally opened for services with temporary seating for all persons. A mixed choir of church friends sang. A representative of the United Christian Missionary Society made the address and an appeal for money and pledges to support the work of the church. A church parsonage was built on a recently purchased lot next to the church.

In 1960, the original church structure was sold to a congregation of the Latter Day Saints. A tract of land consisting of 4-3/8 acres was purchased at 6242 N. 59th Avenue, and construction was started on the first of two buildings of a master plan of five buildings in August, 1960. The present main structure, which serves now as the sanctuary, was dedicated on January 22, 1961, and the first educational unit was erected. A west wing addition was added to this building in 1962, expanding the facilities for the CWF Service Group. An administrative unit and an additional educational unit were also constructed, giving the congregation a complex of four units to its constantly growing needs. In 1980, the congregation voted to remodel the present facilities. The Sanctuary, which had doubled as a fellowship and meeting hall, was beautifully remodeled. Carpet and pews were installed along with the splendid stained glass in the front of the Sanctuary. Extra classrooms were converted into our present day Fellowship Hall, which allows an excellent facility for our many events.

We are looking for old documents and photos spanning the existence of our church. If you are interested in helping to compile the content for this section of the site, please contact Keith Holler either via E-Mail or after worship on Sundays.