Metropolis magazine wrote an excellent feature article that discusses the unique challenges Columbus, Ind., faces in helping preserve and save two architecturally significant church buildings that help define the city’s commitment to the Modern architectural style. Both church buildings are connected with the Restoration Movement.
First Christian Church features a 165-foot-tall masonry tower that has symbolic value to the city—it is the first building motorists see as they approach Columbus, and it was the first of its many Modern buildings. The Independent Christian Church continues to have a strong membership, but they can’t take on the entire cost ($3.4 million) to repair the tower, which isn’t necessary for carrying out the church’s mission. Public and private donors and nonprofits are helping raise funds for the work.
North Christian Church was home to a Disciples of Christ congregation until they held their final service in July 2022. “There were simply not enough people left to properly support and care for the church’s iconic, but aging facility,” according to the magazine. Plans to save the building are taking shape.
The buildings were designed by the father-son team of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, respectively, with FCC being completed in 1942 and NCC in 1964.
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News Briefs
Dwight Good, 85, one-half of the Good Twins singing duo, died on Monday morning. Less than a year ago, his brother and singing partner, Dwayne Good, passed away on April 10, 2022.
The duo traveled the world singing about Jesus and had recorded many albums. Their ministry lasted over 50 years.
Dwight Good had Alzheimer’s Disease and was living at a rest home in Springfield, Mo., at the time of his death. Arrangements are pending.
After Dwayne Good’s death, we ran a special “Throwback Thursday” celebrating the Good Twins’ musical history.
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First Church of Christ in East Palestine, Ohio, canceled in-person Sunday services, plus canceled today’s youth and adult programs, after a 50-car train derailment occurred nearby on Friday. About 20 of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials. Several train cars burned and there are concerns about a strong odor and possible explosion. FCC’s Facebook page on Saturday said the church is located on the edge of the evacuation area.
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Milligan University alumnus Dr. Joshua Little will become director of the school’s Ministry Leadership Program (MLP) effective March 20. The MLP program is designed to prepare a new generation of experienced church leaders by combining the university’s highly regarded academics with greater practical ministry experience and mentorship.
Little’s appointment coincides with the transition of Dr. Ron Kastens to academic dean of Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan effective June 1. Kastens has served as MLP’s program director since its launch in 2018. (We ran a newsfeature about the MLP in 2019.)
Little has 15 years of ministry experience, most recently as executive and teaching pastor of RiverTree Christian Church in Massillon, Ohio.
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Community Christian Church of Fort Scott, Kan., will celebrate their 50th anniversary this Sunday. Leon Weece, the church’s first minister, is scheduled to preach. At the church’s first meeting on Jan. 23, 1973, there were 63 people present, and “it has never been below that number since,” said Celebration Committee member Jerry Witt, who also is a charter member. These days, attendance often reaches nearly 500. FortScottBiz.com wrote an article about the anniversary.
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Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., held a special screening of the new movie The Jesus Revolution on Saturday. The film, starring Kelsey Grammer (from TV’s Frasier), opens to wide release later this month, WDRB.com reported.
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New Hope Christian Church in Marshalltown, Iowa, celebrated their 30th anniversary on Sunday. A video history of the church is available via their Facebook page.
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Jeff Kimberly has accepted the call to be the new minister at the Mt. Airy (N.C.) Christian Church. He will begin his ministry with the congregation on March 26. He will conclude a 3.5-year ministry with Neapolis (Ohio) Church of Christ on March 19.
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More than 2,200 volunteers came together last week at Pantano Christian Church, Tucson, Ariz., to pack more than 500,000 meals for Feed My Starving Children, www.kgun9.com reported. FMSC is a Christian organization that distributes the meals via a network of partner nonprofits.
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Mid-Atlantic Christian University has named Miguel Justiniano Jr. as softball coach for its maiden season, which begins this spring. The 28-year U.S. Air Force veteran retired as a master sergeant. He has 16 years of military recruiting experience and 18 years of experience recruiting student-athletes. The Puerto Rico native grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. He is working toward his education doctorate in sports management/athletic administration.
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