About Us:

First Christian Church of Independence is one of the oldest churches in the area. It has a rich history of service, faith, and being open to the Lord. The church was founded on July 4, 1835, by 35 pioneers, including 8 slaves, who met in a log home of a church member. Those who gathered agreed to "...take the Book, known as the Bible, as their only standard, guide, and director, and rule in faith and conduct ...." At the time there were only 24 states and Andrew Jackson, for whom the county was named, was U.S. president.

The same thirst for freedom that led to the American Revolution also led pioneers to seek an approach to faith that likewise honored freedom of thought and differences of opinion. The pioneers wanted a practical, down-to-earth religion to help them cope with life on the rugged frontier. They believed in the right of the individual to read and interpret the Bible and to build upon a faith that was reasonable. These early characteristics of The Disciples of Christ movement continue as benchmarks today. The Disciples church recognizes the fundamental right of individual Christians to study and interpret the Bible and to determine their beliefs without the burden of satisfying a particular creed or denominational doctrine.

Our congregation is now in its third location and its fourth building. The original log cabin church was replaced in 1854 by a red brick church at Main and Short Streets. The church thrived under the leadership of Rev. Alexander Procter, who served as minister from 1860 to 1900.