HISTORY OF PULASKI STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
When research is done into the history of any congregation of God's people, there are many demonstrations of faith and determination that generally have gone unnoticed. A great debt is owed to those often unnamed saints whose "works follow them." The first congregation organized in Lawrence County was at Shady Grove on October 1850. Often economic and industrial factors promoted members to migrate to other locations. But as they moved they took their faith with them.
A group of Christians began meeting in the Charlie
Tarpley home on Pulaski Street in Lawrenceburg in 1895. Later they assembled in
the Old Academy on Academy Hill. When this place of meeting was damaged in a
storm they removed to the Old Opera House which was located above the former
First National Bank. For a short period the group met in the Old Courthouse.
In 1906 the Church had grown sufficiently that a building of their own was
needed. This building was erected on Pulaski Street. The building was sold and
a
new meeting place was built on North Military Street and was known as the
Downtown Church of Christ. In 1951, sufficient growth had occurred that there
was a need for an additional congregation. This was the beginning of the First
Street Church of Christ. In 1958 doctrinal differences developed and a new
congregation was established and the property and building used in 1906 on
Pulaski Street was
purchased. The old building (shown) was torn down and a new building, in which Pulaski
Street Church of Christ now meets, was built. There have been various additions
and improvements made as the congregation has continued to grow.
Pulaski Street has been served by many outstanding preachers. Gospel meetings have been conducted by such men as: Guy N. Woods, W.A. Bradfield, H.A. Dixon, E.R. Harper, John D. Cox, Tom Holland, Willard Collins, William Woodson, George W. Dehoff, E. Claude Gardner, Basil Overton, John Gipson, and others. The famous T.B. Larimore preached in a three month meeting in the old building in 1908. Twenty-four were baptized in that series. Local evangelists who have served since the formation in 1958 are Andrew M. Brown (1958--1964), Robert Brown (1964--1966), D. Ellis Walker (1966--1971), W.C. Quillen (1971--1980), J. Noel Merideth (1981--1989), Leon Cole (1989—1998), Tim Shoulders (1998—2002) and Jeremiah Tatum (2003 and continuing). Associate and Youth Ministers during this time have been: Jerry Edwards, Paul Epler, David Stofel, Mike Kinnard, Enoch Rinks, Jon David Schwartz, Josh Hardin, and Jeremy Gargis.
Outstanding leadership makes an outstanding church. Pulaski Street has been blessed with steadfast, faithful elders and deacons. Some of those who have served as elders have gone to be with the Lord. That number includes: Ray Davis, H.A. Mathis, W.A. Moody, O.L. North, F.W. Pinckley and J.O. Thomas. The present elders are: Doug Burns, Mack Evans, Tim Hammond, J. Fred Johnston, Darrell Maggard, Bob Markus and Eric Nutt.
Evangelism is a watchword for the Pulaski Street Congregation. For many years the Church has conducted a radio program and an active correspondence course is offered. There is an active mission program beyond the realm of the local work. These include works in Paraguay, Korea, India, Haiti, and east Tennessee, as well as a Prison Ministry, Inner City Ministry, and AGAPE.
Benevolence has received much attention at Pulaski Street. Financial support is given to such homes as Childhaven and Raintree Village Children’s Home. We also do extensive local and one-time benevolence. An edification program including such activities as gospel meetings, visitation, vacation Bible school and a very active youth program helps to build all up in the "Most Holy Faith."
The Pulaski Street Congregation looks on the past with satisfaction and faces the future with confidence. We have the assurance of God's blessing on every effort for good.