History
57 Years of Service to God
In early 1954 discussions and meetings were being held concerning the launching of an infant New Testament church in Plymouth, NC. Brother George Bondurant, president of Roanoke Bible college, met with a small group of people to discuss their passion for planting a new congregation. he encouraged them to hold their initial meetings in their homes. When Brother Cary Dannelly from Roanoke Bible College became available to preach, Brother bondurant asked the group, "When do you want to begin having services?" The answer came back, "What's wrong with this Sunday?"
Thus, on April 25, 1954 a group of 54 people met in the home of Charlie and Myrtle Williams for the first worship service of what would become the Plymouth Church of Christ. Due to the increasing interest and attendance, subsequent meetings were held in the American Legion Hall over the City Market on Water Street. Leaders were later able to secure the local Union Hall for worship services until permanent facilities could be established.
On June 6, 1954, a special service was held in which 32 people affixed their signatures to the following "COVENANT".
We desire to unite in a congregation because we believe in the wisdom of associated effort in things spiritual as well as in things temporal; because we earnestly desire to grown in grace and in knowledge of the Word of God and because we believe that by combining our means and talents we may become more influential witnesses for Christ in this community, securing thereby more consideration of our cause as well as a deeper Christian life for ourselves. We have already covenanted with God in Christ. In so doing, we realize that we have taken God the Father to be our only rule of faith and practice, the salvation of all men to be an object of perpetual concern, and the people of God to be in an especial sense our people. We will be independent of any religious organizations and will not take dictation from any religious groups. In order to fulfill most effectively this solemn covenant, we do now on this sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord 1954, unite to form a Church of Christ in Plymouth, North Carolina, and we do hereby covenant to do all in our power to promote the growth, spirituality and general prosperity of this congregation. To this end we pledge ourselves by the aid of God's Word and Spirit to lead lives of personal righteousness, to give freely as the Lord blesses our labors for the maintenance of his cause, to attend faithfully upon the services of the church, and to do good to all men especially to those who are of the household of faith. In testimony of our deliberateness and sincerity, we hereunto affix our names.
The 32 people who signed this "COVENANT" became the charter members of the Plymouth Church of Christ. Those affixing their signatures to this significant document were: Clifford Ange, Nona Ange, Onward Ange, Gerald Beasley, Pat Beasley, Joe G. Beasley, Alice Beasley, Rudolph Beasley, Vernell Beasley, Elmer Browning, Norma Chesson, Sam Garrett, Ruth Garrett, Eddie Hardison, Henry Hardison, Lee Montford Hardison, Dossie Hopkins, Flossie Noone, Joe Nooney, Mary Nooney, Nita Sawyer, Lewis Styons, Mary Styons, Marion Styons, Pauline Styons, Phillip Styons, Raymond Styons, Linwood Swain, Jay Hollis White, Kathleen White, Charlie Williams, and Myrtle Williams.
This small but enthusiastic group purchased land on Highway 32 South from Earnest Arps at a cost of $3,500. On July 26, 1956, they moved into their permanent structure, a 40' x 80' building on their own property. Over the years, more structures have been erected. An addition to the original building was completed in 1957-58. A parsonage was completed in 1960. On February 14, 1965, dedication services were held for a 400 sear worship center. Alongside that sanctuary, a Family Life Center and Education and Office Complex were dedicated on April 27, 2003. Also erected in 2003 was a 30' x 40' storage building.
To facilitate such growth and construction, several tracts of land bordering the original church property have been purchased over the years from the Tetterton, Cole, Pate, and Kahler families. The PCOC campus now totals approximately 6.5 acres.
Sound biblical preaching and spiritual vision have come from the ministers who have served this church family over this half century. These men and their years of service include: Cary Dannelly (1954-57), Bill Gardner (1957-60), Ben James (1960-62), Ted Davenport (1962-64), John Thomas (1964-68), Gene McGee (1968-70), Ben James (1970-79), Bob Moulden (1979-present). From the "planting and watering" of these men and many others, God has brought forth such an increase that a congregation of over 500 members now worship here.
Several very capable men have served the church as Associate / Youth Ministers over the years. Bill McCracken was the first of these Youth Ministers. He was followed by Larry Owen, Tim Sparks, Jeff Marks, Gene Cordon, Bill Abbot, George Powell, Frankie Dewald, Paul Sciotto, Jim Joyner, Glenn Brickhouse, Brad Giffin, Chris Cuthbertson, Michael Lease, Matt Wagner, Graham Phillips and Ottis Cox.
The vision of those faithful saints who assembled more than 50 years ago is still being brought to fruition. The gospel has gone out from this place to touch our community and area. ministers have been ordained and sent into the Lord's harvest fields. Generous and faithful giving has enabled missionaries to go throughout the world spreading God's Word. Only eternity can fully tell the worth of the work done in this place for our Lord. he is truly worthy of all the praise and glory we can muster in our hearts. He has done more than we could possible ask or imagine. May He alone be praised.
Inspired by a humble beginning and God's remarkable grace, we are poised to move forward in faith for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God lead us and bless us in our continued service for Him. Our stated purpose is to busy ourselves "Winning lost souls to Jesus Christ and discipling them to become devoted followers of Him."