First Christian Church in Hinton celebrates 100th anniversary

HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) – The First Christian Church of Hinton is preparing to celebrate a milestone anniversary. On Oct. 13, 1923, the cornerstone was laid to begin construction at the site of the current church on 7th Avenue and Temple Street. Townspeople, along with the congregation, gathered for the initial event.

First Christian Church was organized in 1895 by Minister W.W. Smith. The congregation had previously bought a lot on the south side of Ballengee Street between 4th and 5th Avenue and built a meeting house. The building quickly became too small making a new building necessary. The trustees announced on April 11, 1922, that a corner lot had been purchased from Susan H. Tyler on 7th Avenue and Temple Street. Plans were drawn up, and Martin Brothers Contractors were hired to construct the new building.

The old building on the lot had to first be torn down, and then the work of excavating for the church building began on Oct. 7, 1922. 

On June 13, 1923, a campaign was started to raise $10,000 to carry forward the work of the new church. By the time the cornerstone was laid, $19,000 was raised to finance the $40,000 church building. On that Saturday, Oct. 13, 1923, people gathered to lay the cornerstone of the building. The late Augusta Johnson Ratliff was on record as having recalled the event at which she played the organ from the bed of a truck.

The basement of the church was completed on March 16, 1924, and the church began meeting there. On Sunday, Feb. 21, 1926, the main auditorium was complete and open, with three services held there.

During the 50s, First Christian Church struggled as times changed, and jobs were harder to find. As some families had to leave, others were added, keeping the balance. Despite the hardships faced throughout the years, the church has preserved.

The church maintained the same pastor from 1992–2022. Unfortunately, on Sept. 22, 2022, Gary Adkins passed away, and the church is currently seeking a full-time minister. A celebration will be held on Oct. 15, 2023, to mark the 100th anniversary. Services begin at 9:30 a.m. and last throughout the day. In attendance will be previous ministers. Services will include special singing, and lunch will follow the service.