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May 15, 1980, a group of men met to discuss plans of forming a new congregation
of the Church of Christ in Coleman. On May 18, 1980, a building at
414 Commercial Avenue was rented from Joe Cervenka Electric as a temporary
place of worship, until a building could be purchased or a new building
could be built. On May 23, 1980, plans and order of worship were
made for the first worship service which was held May 25, 1980. Sam
Wilson preached for the first service. The church began with 32 members
and 47 people were present for the first worship service. The membership
has grown to approximately 175 members. June 1, 1980. Sam Wilson,
Ed Whittington, Roy Buse, Ivan Hill and Gene Christian were selected by
the congregation as trustees until such a time that elders would be selected
to serve the congregation. June 27, 1980, three lots were purchased
from Dr. M. T. White. These lots were on Highway 53 across the highway
from Holiday Hill Care Center. July 19, 1981, an additional lot was
purchased. Because of the location of lots purchased, the name of
the church was to be “The Hillcrest Church of Christ.”
Construction
of a new building began September 2, 1980 and though the interior was not
finished, the first service was held in the building on December 21, 1980.
Most of the labor was donated by members of the church. The building
was completed and “Open House” was held on February 1, 1981, with 150 people
in attendance for worship.
On
October 18, 1981, Chris Pettijohn, a student at Abilene Christian University,
began working with the young people of the church. On November, 1982,
A. L. Curly Wiginton began his work as minister on a part time basis for
the congregation. He shares the pulpit with Sam Wilson and other
men from time to time.
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