A Brief History of the Donelson Church of Christ
In September of 1873 a small group of Christians committed to simple, biblical, nondenominational Christianity started a church in what was then known as McWhirtersville (now Donelson). They called themselves simply “Disciples of Christ, McWhirtersville, Tennessee.” The name of the church was changed to “Church of Christ, Donelson, Tennessee” in 1900, and in 1905 moved to our present location. For 135 years we have remained here in the heart of Donelson serving this community. Though we are an independent, self-governing congregation, we enjoy close association with other Churches of Christ which come from our same heritage of faith. But we also enjoy fellowship with other Christians in our community.
The rapid growth of the community and our church in the 1950s and ’60s led to the building of our present auditorium in 1965 and an activity center in 1972. The chapel and more classrooms were added in 1987.
This congregation’s strong commitment to helping people is visible in the construction of a child care home for foster parents and children, a small apartment complex for the elderly, and a benevolence center providing food, clothing, and other assistance to those in need. Once a week our activity center is used to provide shelter for the homeless as part of the Room at the Inn ministry. And our counseling ministry provides help for those facing grief, depression, marriage problems, and other personal issues.
In recent decades, the character of our church has been impacted by a number of ministers. Bob Hendren preached from 1970 to 1989 and did much to shape our church’s commitment to the good news of God’s grace and to the study of God’s word. Randy Harris preached from 1990 to 2000 and led us deeper in our walk as Jesus’ disciples. Following Randy, Lipscomb University professors Mark Black, John York, and Lee Camp also deepened our commitment to Bible study and following Jesus. Rob McRay began preaching in 2003 and has brought a renewed commitment to our original vision of unity through simple, biblical, nondenominational Christianity.
Jim Parnell, our counselor, has served this church in a variety of roles since 1974, and has helped shape us as a place of healing and comfort. Frank Batson has served for many years as an associate minister and an elder. He and our other elders have prayerfully shepherded this flock through teaching, preaching, mentoring, leading home churches, and providing godly examples and advice. Richard Van Dyke served as an associate minister from 1994 to 2006 and had a substantial impact on our administrative affairs and our worship ministry.
Danny Gregg has served as youth minister since 1989, and not only has created a dynamic program for teens, but has helped shape our new vision for a family-based approach to youth and children’s ministries. He was joined in 2008 by Rachel Bright, our children’s minister, who is building on the foundation laid by Sandra Green, who served in that role from 1998 to 2006.
As we look to the future, we are committed to a simple vision for being followers of Jesus and to partnering with parents in our family ministry.
