Our History

The story is told that soon after the Civil War two men traveled from Mattoon, IL to St Louis, MO to preach the Gospel traveling on horseback.  While making one of these trips in winter, a severe snowstorm came up.  They were forced to stop traveling and stayed overnight at a farmhouse four miles north of Brownstown with the Arnold family.  The next day was Sunday, so a worship service was held in the home.  Neighbors became interested and services were held in different homes.  Several years later a building was erected five miles north of Brownstown.  This was the First Christian Church established in this section of Illinois and was called Liberty Christian Church.  

The Gospel spread and the citizens of Brownstown became interested.  In 1871, a small building was erected in the village on the north side of the railroad tracks.  The congregation grew, primarily through revival meetings, until in 1910 the church had a Sunday School attendance of 267.  It was decided to build a larger building south of the tracks.  Ground was purchased on 1st & Popular Streets in the village.  Construction started and on May 5, 1912 the building was dedicated to our Lord for worship.  This was an occasion for much joy among the people and was followed by a revival meeting.  The cost of the building was $16,500, the full amount being paid in cash and pledges.  In 1967, there was a need for more classroom space, so an educational unit was built on the south side of the building.  

The congregation is part of the Restoration Movement, which began in the early 1880s in America.  It calls denominations to unity based on the Bible, restoring the ancient church as established by the Apostles and revealed in the New Testament.  Churches are under the oversight of local elders under the head of Christ and free from any organizational ties.  Throughout the years many people in the area have been influenced by the Biblical teaching.  In the early 1980s, the leadership decided that a youth minister was needed.  Since that time several young men and a young lady have lead the youth and children's programs.  Several of the youth have attended either Lincoln Christian University or St Louis Christian College, training for the ministry or other service.  

The congregation is concerned about spreading the Gospel in other parts of the world, both stateside and overseas.  A tithe of offerings is given to missions.  The congregation decided to build a new building, which will be more convenient without so many stairs and issues in the old basement during heavy rains.  Money is being collected for the project.  The new building ground breaking ceremony took place on Cumberland Road on the west side of town on Sunday, August 20, 2017.  

The leadership has tried to change methods of evangelism with the changing culture while remaining true to the Bible and standards of God.  That can never be compromised.  The Word of God must be obeyed as we worship and serve God!

The New Church Building was finished in June 2018.