Our story
Our story, chapter by chapter
From a petition in 1856 to Sunday afternoons at the CCC: a congregation that has kept gathering in Bushnell.
Chapter I1856
A petition to organizePresbyterians in Bushnell and vicinity petition to organize a church. The small congregation struggles, and in 1859 its members join the Reformed church.
Chapter II1868
Gathered againOn April 25, 1868, the church is reorganized with 28 members, meeting in the Baptist church until a building of its own is ready.
Chapter III1869
A home of our ownOur first church building is dedicated on August 29, 1869, facing Hurst Street.
Chapter IV1903
Brick and stained glassThe church is moved to the corner of Hurst and Dean and enlarged. A brick veneer, a first for Bushnell, and large stained glass windows are added; the auditorium seats 600.
Chapter V1906–1917
Growing togetherMembers of the disbanded Reformed church join us in 1906. A Kimball pipe organ arrives in 1907, and in 1917 a Sunday school addition and Memorial Hall are built.
Chapter VI1927
Christmas EveWe hold our first Christmas Eve program, a tradition that has continued for generations. In 1978, handbells are purchased as a memorial to early choir members.
Chapter VII2004
A center for the whole townThe Community Christian Center opens on West Main Street, built with members’ memorials and donations.
Chapter VIII2026
A new chapterRev. Edwin Brinklow begins preaching on June 21, and we gather every Sunday at 2:00 PM at the CCC.