| The Orleans Christian Church found its beginnings in the efforts of Dr. E.D. Laughlin, who come to Orleans from Parke County, Indiana in 1862. Worship was held in a good frame building with an original membership of about 25. There was really no organization until it's first building was erected and dedicated in 1867. The lot was purchased from Dr. Henry Lingle for $100, half of which he donated himself. Construction began in the spring of 1867 at a cost of $1200. The first elders were E.D. Laughlin, William Wright, Sr., and George Hon. |  Our First Building |
The first preacher was James Matthew, who remained but a short time. Some of the other preachers who served in the first building were Moses Smith, L.B. Bray, Jonathon Staley and M.E.Hoon.
In 1919, John W. Marshall took the pulpit ministry and under his leadership, the membership grew to a number that made a new and larger building necessary. Erection of a brick building on the present site began in April, 1920, with the cornerstone being laid in May. The dedication ceremonies were held November 20, 1920.
Many features have been added during the passing years. In the fall of 1963 the educational wing was added; in 1970 the basement was remodeled into its present state, and a new roof, air conditioning and a parking lot were added; the auditorium and the overflow (area) were remodeled in 1985; and an elevator has been added.
Following the ministry of John Marshall, the church called the following men to preach: T.J. Wilson, W.W. Carter, Bro. Jacobs, Bro. Owen, H.U. Kline, W.A. Everhart, C.W. Parks, C. McFadden, Forrest Wilkin, Jerry Nash, Titus Solomon, Steve Roberts, Gene Carey, Nelson Lee and presently, Tom Bostic.
David Enyart was O.C.C.'s first youth minister, followed by David Strange, David Smith, David Conley, Loren Lung, Chris Robinson, Steve Beach, and Matt Wagner. The church has also been served by Anna Christine Borruff, Betty Hackney, Nancy Lee and Judith Ikerd as church secretary.
Through all the work, one thing was foremost in the minds of all - LET THE LORD LEAD. This remains our prayer today - wherever HE leads, let us go.
We thank God for all the people who have faithfully served Him through the Orleans Christian Church over the years of it's history. And if we are faithful, God will enable us to carry this torch of rich tradition on to future generations who, in turn, will carry it on until the day Christ returns.
