Lanett Congregational Christian Church

Our History

Our roots reach all the way back to a small group in England who believed in freedom of thought and because of their resistance to state control of the Church, were compelled to leave England in 1609. After spending twelve years in Leyton, Holland, they sailed to America from Plymouth, England on the Mayflower in 1620. The Congregational Church was established and eventually merged with several other denominations, among which was our own Christian Church denomination. The Christian Church came into being from three movements beginning in 1793 due to an urge for independence and a search for religious freedom from the theological and organizational rigidity of other churches of the time.

Lanett Congregational Christian Church was organized by Rev. H. W. Elder in 1896 and was originally named Lanett Christian Church. The congregation worshiped in a small frame building shared with three other churches, each meeting once a month. The first church building was built in 1898.

The first full-time pastor was Rev. H. M. Gray, who began his ministry in 1920. While he was pastor, a new church building was erected in 1922 on the corner next to the first church building. The old building was torn down and the first parsonage was built on the same lot next to the new church building. A building fund for a new church was begun in November, 1938 and ground-breaking ceremonies were held on Sunday morning, March 30, 1952 at the present location. The congregation moved into the new building and held the first service on November 22, 1953.

On the evening of May 19, 1969, tragedy struck! A fire left the church in ruins! Plans for reconstruction were begun immediately and while the church building was under construction, the congregation met in the Lanett Elementary School. Reconstruction was completed, except for the sanctuary pews, on June 24, 1970. Church services were held in the Fellowship Hall until December 20, 1970, at which time the pews had been installed in the sanctuary. On Sunday night, July 18, 1971, it was announced that all indebtedness against the church building had been paid off. The congregation continues to strive for the Glory of God and for God's Kingdom on earth.