OUR HISTORY 

In 1888, the purpose of the founders of Wyatt Park Christian Church was "to preach and practice a religion that is as devoted to justice as were the prophets, as concerned for persons as was Jesus, as responsive to truth as is science, as beautiful as art, as intimate as home, and as indispensable as is the air we breathe." The church's present vision statement, adopted in 2004, is shorter, but the thrust of it is the same; "Reach out through Jesus Christ to bring people to spiritually abundant life and eternal salvation." 

The formation of Wyatt Park Christian Church may be traced to the ministry of Rev. M.M. Goode, pastor of First Christian Church, who recognized a need for churches in the new neighborhoods of a bustling, growing St. Joseph. Rev. Goode and his congregation established a Sunday School in 1887 in a vacant building at the corner of 27th and Olive in the new Wyatt Park area. In 1888, the Sunday School was organized to become Wyatt Park Christian Church with a membership of 32. Ground was broken for a new building at the northwest corner of 27th and Olive on February 1, 1889. That wooden structure served for the next 36 years. 

In 1926, a new building was proposed and a building fund was created. The 600 member congregation dedicated the new building at 27th and Mitchell on October 7, 1928. At a cost of $55,000, the three story building included an assembly room, classrooms, and a kitchen on the first level. The sanctuary, seating 500, was located on the second floor, and the third floor included a balcony and classrooms.

   Building dedicated in 1928
 

The Depression years were difficult and strained the church and its resourses, but there was a dramatic turnaround during the War Years and following. Plans were made for an Education Building, which was dedicated in 1951. Six years later, the present sanctuary was dedicated.     

Sanctuary dedicated in 1957


The building was expanded again in 1994 with the addition of a new Social Hall, fellowship space in the basement, a new office area, and new meeting space. 

  

Throughout its history, Wyatt Park Christian Church has been affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) a Protestant denomination that traces its roots to a 19th century reform movement led by Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone. Their core principles – as valid today as they were then – were (1) individual freedom to study and interpret Scripture, (2) restoration of New Testament Christianity, (3) unity of believers, and (4) evangelization.