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In June 1883, H. J. Brayboy, a preacher-trustee from Lowndes County, Alabama, and two other trustees desired to establish a church of the Christian denomination. The church would later become known as Ross Street Christian Church.
On March 29, 1951, Ross Street Christian Church at 15 (430) Ross Street became a corporation. The trustees were authorized to mortgage the church and purchase a parsonage at 116 ½ (730) Stephens Street, Montgomery, AL
Elder E. H. Mason came to pastor the church in 1953 and served until his death on January 31, 1966. Under his leadership the mortgage of the parsonage was paid, an addition to the church was built, pulpit furniture was purchased, and other improvements were made.
In October 1965, Elder C. J. Hinson and a group of members from Ross Street Christian Church decided that a church should be established to reach out to members living on the westside of town. On January 19, 1967 at the home of Frank Hinson, trustees were elected and instructed to file the Declaration of Incorporation. This church was to become Second Christian Church and Elder C. J. Hinson would serve as its first pastor. A house was purchased on Goode Street in Montgomery, Alabama, and services were held there until the church was erected in 1975.
In June 1966 Elder M.C. Knowles became the pastor at Ross Street. During his administration, two rooms were added to the parsonage and he secured pledges to purchase an organ for the church. He served until his death on August 30, 1968.
On September 3, 1971, Elder H. Bruce Bowser was appointed as pastor of Ross Street. He introduced the bus ministry and a van was purchased.
In December 1983, Elder C. J. Hinson, Reverend Phillip Van Rushing, Arthur Hinson, and Willis Jackson discussed plans to merge Ross Street and Second Christian Church. With full support from the members of both congregations, the plan was put into action. In early 1984, a meeting was held and trustees were elected and authorized to file a declaration of incorporation and sell the property of Ross Street Christian Church. The newly joined congregation decided to remain in the Second Christian Church building and give themselves a new name, the United Christian Church.
Reverend Robert L. Brown became the pastor in 1990. Under his leadership, membership increased and the church became more active in the Alabama-Northwest Florida Region of the Disciples of Christ denomination. Pastor Brown remained the pastor until his retirement in the spring of 1998.
Later that year, Pastor Marcus Hunter came to United with a vision to modernize the church. He established and revitalized several programs, especially for the youth.
In 2002, Reverend Shadeed Shareef was appointed as pastor of the church. Many members remember him as caring and compassionate as he always made sure to call and visit our sick and shut-ins. He established several programs including a food pantry.
The current pastor of United Christian Church is Pastor La’Rue Smith, Jr. His hard-working nature has inspired the church to become more active in the region as well as the local community. Under his leadership, the church is being revitalized with a youth Praise and Worship Team and an upcoming transformation project.
United Christian Church Disciples of Christ
1116 Edgar D Nixon Ave, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States
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