Join us for worship each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Welcome to First Christian Church of Madison Indiana
Join us for worship Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. We celebrate the Lord's Supper each week and you are welcome at the table!
About First Christian Church Madison Indiana
Our History
Christians only, but not the only Christians!
Our History
Founded in 1836 as one of the earliest congregations in the Stone-Campbell movement, First Christian Church met in various places around Madison until 1864 when the current brick Greek Revival style building was constructed in the dark days of the Civil War. In 1899, a mere 33 years later, fire destroyed the interior of the building. The
Founded in 1836 as one of the earliest congregations in the Stone-Campbell movement, First Christian Church met in various places around Madison until 1864 when the current brick Greek Revival style building was constructed in the dark days of the Civil War. In 1899, a mere 33 years later, fire destroyed the interior of the building. The new sanctuary was built within the original walls. Fire again took the church on Christmas Eve 1989. Once again only the walls stood. The current sanctuary and lower fellowship space were rebuilt within the original brick walls. It is notable that Fair Play Fire House of Company Number 1, the oldest volunteer fire department in Indiana, fought both fires 90 years apart.
Music and the Arts have always had an important place in the life of the congregation. One of the first committees established when the church was rebuilt in 1990 was the window committee. In designing the stained-glass windows for the sanctuary, the theme was to portray the Gospel stories in a contemporary southern Indiana setting. Stephen Purdy and Fox Studios of Indianapolis were chosen to design the beautiful windows that grace the sanctuary today. The windows are made of opalescent glass, painted and fired as many as five times. The East windows represent the four seasons and the 12 disciples with the Ohio River flowing thru each window. The other two east windows in the Gathering Area are history windows showing key events of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Madison congregation. The Baptism window on the southwest corner shows Jesus being baptized in Clifty Falls. The two antique windows on the south wall, facing Main Street, were found in an abandoned church building in Lebanon, OH. They show German craftsmanship around 1890. The Chalice window above the front doors is symbolic of the Lord’s Supper, central to Disciple’s life and worship. The tri-fold ribbon at the bottom identifies the church name and is the only window element which also appeared in the 1899 windows.
Our Mission
Christians only, but not the only Christians!
Our History
The mission of First Christian Church is to:
- affirm our belief in God,
- learn of God's purpose for us through study, worship, and prayer,
- to grow and change in response to our understanding of God's will,
- and to share faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by witnessing, teaching, and active loving ministry to others.
We are part of the uni
The mission of First Christian Church is to:
- affirm our belief in God,
- learn of God's purpose for us through study, worship, and prayer,
- to grow and change in response to our understanding of God's will,
- and to share faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by witnessing, teaching, and active loving ministry to others.
We are part of the unique American movement now called the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). You can learn more about the Disciples here.
Christians only, but not the only Christians!
Christians only, but not the only Christians!
Christians only, but not the only Christians!
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Madison, Indiana was organized in 1836. Its brave beginning was made up of pioneer families and hardy individuals looking for a better life along the busy water highway of the Ohio River. As with other descendants of the Second Great Awakening this newly formed congregation sought to wors
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Madison, Indiana was organized in 1836. Its brave beginning was made up of pioneer families and hardy individuals looking for a better life along the busy water highway of the Ohio River. As with other descendants of the Second Great Awakening this newly formed congregation sought to worship God in a simple, sincere way with the hope of restoring the early church's faithfulness.
We are still active in the Madison community. First Christian Church was a leader in founding the community food pantry, House of Hope. FCC members continue to volunteer at the House of Hope each week. FCC hosts a local CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) which supports local food consumption and connects us to our local farmers. We work closely with Habitat for Humanity.
Our members are active in the local arts by teaching fabric arts through quilting and knitting. You will also find painters who create both award-winning watercolor pieces as well as oil painting and photography. Others can be found sharing their gift of music through a local strings group which performs in nursing homes and occasionally in our worship services. There are also singers who regularly share the gift of song in worship and around the Madison community. We even have members who are storytellers and amateur actors.
We are an historic church with a progressive theology and commitment to making life better in Madison for all. FCC opens its doors to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program each week and gives their director, Diane Richey, office & meeting space. Most weeks during the school year one will see young Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts take over the Fellowship Hall.
Welcome to our corner of the web! Please join us for worship, Bible study, or our fellowship activities. We welcome you! We welcome all!
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
First Christian Church Madison Indiana
Hours
Open today | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm |
