Well into its second century, Central Christian Church of Elkhart, Indiana, is still, in the words of a former pastor, "reaping the harvest of seeds of our destiny sowed by our predecessors."

     Elkhart had been incorporated as a town for 20 years, and as a city for 3 years, when those predecessors sowed seeds of a viable inner city church committed to nurturing its members and serving the community. In October, 1878, a small band of women got together with an itinerant Chicago minister who had intended to preach only a few evenings in Elkhart.  The far-seeing group decided not only to continue group worship, but to build a church. Builders were engaged and by Christmas the "Christian Church" was worshiping in a small building not far from the budding city's downtown.

     The following 52 years found the struggling group (a city directory lists the 1883 membership as 35) selling their first church, worshiping in homes, a public hall, and, finally, two more modest buildings. Membership increased to 200.  The year 1925 brought two milestones - a name change from First Christian Church to Central Christian Church and a move into a new brick edifice on Fifth Street.  Membership was over 500. Central Christian Church weathered the Great Depression by hard work and prayer at a time when some families were strapped to give $1 a week.

     In 1952, the present imposing sanctuary and bell tower were dedicated, further fulfilling the members' faith in a commitment to concern and action.  They consider a ministry in the community a vital force in the role of the church in today's society.  As evidence of their awareness of the needs of the city, the Fifth and Franklin building serves many community needs and has after school programs for children of the community.

     What does the future hold for Central Christian?  Out of the past comes a statement from a church history published in 1955.  It reads:  "A rich fulfillment seems likely.  We look backward with pride and treasure the memories of the faith, devotion, courage and sacrifice of the pioneers we honor."