Camden church of Christ

Camden Church of Christ

1285 Hwy. 70 Bypass | Camden, TN 38320

731-584-7374

Our History

Establishment

The Camden Church of Christ was established in the late 1800's with the following among the charter members: George M. Leslie, Mrs. Kate M. Leslie, Mrs. Tina Dodd, E.L. Dodd, Mrs. Delia Whitfield, Mrs. Mary Gibson, and Mrs. Anna Whitfield.

In the early days of the congregation, members met in a frame,

one-story building just off the court square. The congregation was very small with about fifty (50) members on Sunday morning, and about twenty to twenty-five (20-25) on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Prior to this, members were meeting in homes. Later, they assembled in the courthouse during the winter months.

"My sister, Jean, and I first went with Mrs. Edith Nunnery in 1940 to the old wooden church building on Paris Street (now called Forrest Street), located north of the Camden Post Offices. The building had no running water, but it had hanging light bulbs and a pot-bellied stove. In the summer, long windows opened to the floor, and sometimes children climbed in and out. We went to the children's Sunday school class with Mrs. Mabel Dobson, our teacher."

- Lydia Laux Branch

Among the early ministers who preached for the congregation were J.D. Tant, N.B. Hardeman, and Samuel Pittman. During later years, gospel meetings were conducted by Athens Clay Pullias, Willard Collins, and Thomas C. Whitfield. Preaching was done by B.C. Larkins on a weekly basis from 1945 until 1956. He was followed by Homer Royster, Charles E. Crouch, Parker French, Guy Simms, Richard Youngblood, Noel Merideth, and Edward L. Ballard. The first full-time minister was Ralph Steury.

For a number of years, brother Edd Dodd directed the church affairs as there were no others to serve as Elders. However, in 1950, E.L. Dodd, M.G. Henry, and Bert P. Cagle were selected to serve as Elders for the congregation.

160 South Forrest Ave

Moving Locations

In 1950, the Elders, recognizing the community was facing a growing economy with such industries as TVA Steam Plant, Genesco, and DuPont, took steps to enter into a building program. The building lot just off the square was traded to Wyly Lockheart for a building space at 160 South Forrest Avenue. A modern building was erected with an auditorium and classrooms were in the basement.

Church Growth

In the early 70's, additional property and footage was purchased. On this space had been built a new auditorium with seating for about four hundred and fifty (450) people. Also, other spaces, offices, and additional classrooms were provided by this expansion. The church remained here until 2008 when plans were being made for a new building.

160 South Forrest Ave after 1970 Expansion

Plans For a New Building

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Construction Photos

"Things have changed. We that were here in the 1940's and 1950's have seen the congregation grow. Now, we are getting ready to enter a new building located at Highway 641 South and Highway 70 Bypass intersection. It is a big change from fifty (50) members to where we are now."

-Mary Willie "Bill" Duncan

Where We Are Now

Text Here

Mary Willie "Bill" Duncan

Our sincere appreciation to our beloved "Miss Bill" for so graciously honoring our request to write this record of the church history as she remembers it and as she has talked about with many of us in enjoyable conversation through the years.

Also, to all other names mentioned in this history who have meant so much to this congregation

-for their labors, for their examples, and for their love and friendship.

Those Who Have Served Our Congregation

Elders

The Elders who have served the congregation are:

Edd Dodd, Bert Cagle,

Mike Henry, Hugh Caldwell,

V.T. Jamison, Eunice Jones,

Tom McCormack, George Laux,

D.G. Whitfield, Buddie Webb,

F.B. Cain, Frank Belisle,

Dan Wyatt, John Dawson,

Sid Osment, David Ulderich,

and Bill Jarnagin.

Deacons

The Deacons who have served the congregation are:

Edd L. Dodd, Spencer Bridges,

Karl Duncan, Glenn Dobson,

T.J. Lashlee, Robert Walker,

Desmond Jarrett, John Miller,

Blair Fuller, Jimmy Cagle,

Sonny Farmer, Elmer King,

Charlie Dawson, David Ulderich,

John Dawson, Dan Wyatt,

Carl Baker, William Blow,

David Carney, Jeff Crossett,

Bill Jarnagin, Dennis Richardson,

John Shelton, Joe Sisco,

Michael Laux, Wesley Sparks,

Sid Osment, Britt Johnson,

Daniel Richardson, Doug Phipps,

Stacey Ballard, and Adam Blackburn.

Ministers

The Ministers who have served for the congregation are:

J.D. Tant, N.B. Hardeman,

Samuel Pittman, B.C. Larkins,

Ralph Steury, Homer Royster,

Charles Crouch, Parker French,

Guy Simms, Richard Youngblood,

Noel Meridth, Edward Ballard,

Lexie B. Ray, Mickey Beam,

Mike Eaton, Daniel Cook,

and currently Joe Rhodes.

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-John Smith, manager

Camden Church of Christ

1285 US 70 Bypass, Camden TN, 38320

(731) 584-7374

camdencoc898@gmail.com

ccoc.questions@gmail.com

Service Times:

Sunday

Bible Study - 9:00 am

Morning Worship - 10:00 am

Evening Worship - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

Ladies Bible Class - 10:00 am

Wednesday

Mid-week Bible Study - 6:30 pm

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