The First Christian Church was started in

1859 when Hamilton Phillips, from Emporia, Kansas, came to the Iola community and helped organize this church. The early church met in homes

of members. 

   

The Civil War disrupted the progress of the early church so the church was reorganized in 1881 and began holding regular meetings in the Allen County Courthouse. 

 

The first church building was erected in 1883-84 at Sycamore and Broadway. It was a small one story framed building and served the congregation for 20 years. 

  Picture from Pictorial History of Allen County

The church above was built and was dedicated March 6, 1904. The sanctuary 

could seat approximately 400. The church grew so fast that it was soon apparent more space was needed, so an annex was added

on the east side of the building.

This church was destroyed by fire on December 26, 1943. The church services

were temporarily held at the Jefferson School auditorium until a new building could be erected. The property was sold and a new site was purchased at the corner of Buckeye and East Street. 

 

Dedication for the new church was on November 14, 1948. The new building included a brick sanctuary and an educational annex. 

  

It is with this rich history and commitment in faith to God that after five years of planning, ground was broken on February 22, 2009 for the current building at 1608 Oregon Road.

The first service was held on July 4, 2010.

First Christian Church is the oldest

Christian church in southeast Kansas and

the third oldest in the state.

After 150 years, the church still stands

to glorify our King and be a beacon of

hope for our community.