Community Christian Church celebrates silver anniversary Sunday

Nevada Daily Mail

Fifty years ago, the Christian Community Church opened its doors as an independent Christian organization. Its purpose, then and now, is to allow followers of Christ a way of faith with no form of hierarchy or government like the Catholic faith's bishops, priests and deacons.

The building, located at 301 W. Walnut, in Nevada, was originally a Cumberland Presbyterian church; the united brethren bought the building from the Presbyterians sometime after that. The brethren left the building empty for a number of years. Then in 1964, Keith Wilcox, an ex-contractor who realized his true calling was to preach God's word after being hospitalized in an accident, and 27 others borrowed $13,000 from a bank to purchase the building. They spent about six months renovating the church.

Larry Plush, a member of the congregation since 1975, said Wilcox was very dedicated to the church's success. He put out a newsletter 52 weeks a year for 20 years and never missed a Sunday.

The church grew quickly, Betty Plush, Larry's husband and a member of the church since 1971 said. In 1971, more renovations were added including a dining hall.

The church has had an up and down cyclical roster of attendees since opening in 1965. Betty and Larry agreed this is normal for all churches. Betty said the church is currently on the increase of attendees.

"Things are better now," she said. "We've had a lot of people who have come and gone, but you know it's just, this has always been a very friendly church," Betty said of why she and her husband have continued to attend the church for 45 years.

"We were asked to come by a friend, and so we came; we had tried some other churches. The preacher [Wilcox] came to our house and sat with us and asked us to come. Basically, we liked what they were teaching and the friendliness. The whole atmosphere was pleasant."

Betty said the congregation is still that way today. The Community Christian Church is hands-on and believes there is more to a Christian life than sitting in on a church service once a week.

The CCC has had its members help with city clean up weekends; they have a clothes closet where people in need can get clothing. Members have worked at soup kitchens.

"We like to reach out to the community and do the best we can," Betty said.

A church cannot survive to reach the 50-year landmark without a list of ministers, and the Plushes said they have had a number of great ministers.

Following Wilcox came: Bob Eely, Allen Connor, Wes Anderson, Mark Mitchell, Justin Briker, Jonathan Hendricks and now Logan Sperry, a student at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, holds the reins to the congregation.

"He filled in for a span there when we didn't have a preacher and we had him come up here for experience," Larry said. "He did such a good job, that we just wanted to help with his schooling. So he is still going to school, but he's considered full time here."

The church has not changed much, the Plushes said. Music is the only big change, because instead of singing only hymns, the church worships with contemporary church music.

"We've gone from the choir to the praise band. Things just change over the years," Betty said.

Betty said she was the choir director at the church for about 10 years. "The message [of the church] is still the same. I mean we still sing the hymns and such as that, but we have a guitar and drums. Now we do a mixture of both contemporary music and hymns."

Community Christian Church, will celebrate its 50-year anniversary, Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Church service starts at 9:30, with lunch at noon. Through out the day there will be activities such as a petting zoo, bounce house, special music and guest speakers.