History of Community Hills Christian Church
One day, longtime friends Gus Alexander and Junior Powell met at Plaza Del Sol, a National Benevolent Association retirement community in San Angelo, Texas. They met to discuss the possibility of joining their two churches. Both men had been Disciples for many years. Gus was a member of College Hills Christian Church; Junior a member of Community Christian. Membership totals were low in both churches, and Gus and Junior felt that with combined resources much more could be accomplished.
The two congregations were approached about this exciting possibility through a series of "listening conferences." Once the congregations agreed to the idea of a merger, periodic joint worship services and joint fellowship activities were scheduled. Additionally, the congregations requested that a Task Force be formed. In a special service on January 6, 2002, the elders of the churches, through a "laying on of the hands," formally charged the Task Force with the mission of developing a plan by which the merger could be accomplished most smoothly. Twelve church members made up this Task Force, with representation from both congregations. Agreeing to serve were Gus Alexander, Cindy Burkhalter, Ruby Harlow, Gary Lindahl, Tiger McCracken, Jr., Pedro Nieri, Junior Powell, Lucy Seaman, Maxine Strickland, Darrell Stublefield, Judi Westbrook, and Bob Wilson. The Task Force began meeting weekly in January of 2002, with the Area Moderator, John Pennington, facilitating the discussions. Once complete, a plan was submitted by the Task Force and approved by both congregations. On April 28, 2002, regular joint worship services began.
During the next several months, the new church was very busy! Oneal Westbrook, a licensed lay minister and member of the congregation, served as transitional minister during this important time. A Search Committee was formed to begin the process of looking for a new, full-time minister; someone who could lead the newly formed church into a bright and exciting future. All members of the new congregation participated in the process of deciding upon a new name for the church. Approximately 70 possible names were submitted and voted upon. Then, on August 18, 2002, a special chartering service was held, with 146 proud members on the roll.
Community Hills Christian Church was born!!