HISTORY - continued

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a truly unique, American denomination. Its geographical roots are found in the Western frontier of early 19th century America. Its theological roots are found in a deep desire to return to the “plain teaching” of the New Testament and the unification of all Protestantism.

Four names are most prominent in the history of the Christian Church: Barton Stone, Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott. All four had been Presbyterians. Barton Stone was born in Maryland, spent his boyhood in Virginia, was educated in North Carolina and worked primarily in Kentucky. He believed Christians could and should unite on the basis of simple faith in Christ. The divisive doctrines and practices of denominations should be abolished. “Deeds are more important than creeds” became his motto. For suggesting such abolishment the Presbyterians disciplined him and he and his followers withdrew, reorganizing under the generic name Christian.

Thomas and Alexander Campbell, father and son, Scots-Irish, both educated at Glasgow, immigrated to this country in the early 1800’s. Thomas came in 1807, possessing a deep desire to unify a fragmented Protestantism. Appealing to the Bible as the authority as opposed to Creeds or Confessions, he advocated closer relations with all Christians and called for open communion.

His son Alexander, arriving in 1810, expanded on his father’s concepts. He suggested every congregation should be autonomous and that creeds, clerical titles, authority and privilege had no justification in Scripture. Communion was to be served every Sunday and baptism was to be by immersion. The Campbells suggested the term Disciples best described those who held these beliefs.