ALAMO — One hundred and seventy-five years ago, the meeting house in Alamo officially became what is known today as the Alamo Christian Church. On Sunday the present-day congregation is inviting people to help observe the anniversary.
The day will begin with a 10:30 a.m. worship service led by Pastor Kevin Howey. A time of fellowship with snacks will follow the service. The celebration program is slated to begin at 1 p.m. in the church, 208 Madison St.
Church members have been planning the celebration for nearly six months and they are ready to not only remember, but to look ahead to continue to serve their community. The motto for the celebration is “Celebrating the past and committed to the future.”
The property was originally owned by Samuel Truax and Willian Boise who platted the town. The two men in turn donated the land to the church it sits on to this day. The men also planned to have a seminary and school in the town.
The one room meeting house had several different congregations using the building for church services when it was built. On Dec. 20, 1848, the property was deeded to First Church United which eventually became the Christian Church.
From the beginning to today the town has changed in many ways. At one time the town housed several businesses and was an active community. The Alamo High School Warriors were the center of town. Now, as the businesses and high school have closed and the population has decreased, the church remains as a testament that there is still God’s work to be done in the small community.
Member Dianna Waye grew up in Alamo and has been a member of the church since 1961. She has many fond memories of attending the church. She remembers the youth meetings that were held in a nearby residence and attending church and social functions. Her Alamo High School graduating class of 1966 held the school’s baccalaureate service in the church.
“Alamo was a different town than it is today,” Waye said. “But our church still is an important part of the town.”
The pastor’s wife, Pam Howey, said the church is known for being friendly and they have fun serving God.
“You do not leave our church without getting a hug,” Howey said.
Presently besides weekly worship services, the church offer Bible Studies on Facebook at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, Sunday school and a nursing home visitation program.
The church hosts a dinner on the fifth Sundays of the year to raise money for a mission in Honduras and local benevolent needs.
The program has several participants. Don Baker, Larry Melvin, Larry Krout and Martha Billingsly will provide music.
Former minister Morris Finch, who lives in California, has sent a letter to the congregation and it will be read aloud.
Danny Meadows will present a reading about the history of the church.
Former member Larry Daniels will speak. Daniels, who is traveling from Missouri, is he son of former pastor Jim Daniels.
Dave Sanders of Sanders Funeral Homes donated a time capsule that will be placed on the church grounds in a few weeks and will contain information from the 175th celebration.
