Central Presbyterian Church (Waxahachie, Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Central Presbyterian Church
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Central Presbyterian Church in 2008
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 Central Presbyterian Church
Location in Texas
Central Presbyterian Church
Location in the United States
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| Location | 402 N. College, Waxahachie, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1917 |
| Architect | C. D. Hill & Company |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Waxahachie MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002362 |
| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1987 |
The Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) is a special old church located at 402 N. College in Waxahachie, Texas. It's a place with a long history and a strong community spirit.
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About Central Presbyterian Church
The Central Presbyterian Church has over 250 members who come from different church traditions. They all come together to worship God and share Christian love. The church is known for its active youth group and its close connection to the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. CPC is a well-known church in the historic town of Waxahachie. It is part of a larger group called Grace Presbytery, which belongs to the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The Church's Mission
The church's mission can be summed up in four words: Worship, Love, Grow, and Act.
Living Out God's Grace
The people at Central Presbyterian Church are inspired by God's grace. They work to strengthen the spiritual faith of their church family. They also try to show God's amazing love in their daily lives through how they worship, share their beliefs, and act. Their goal is for everyone to learn about and accept the saving power of Jesus Christ. The church believes that together, they are like the body of Christ. Their mission statement guides their vision, activities, and daily actions, both as a church and for each person through the Holy Spirit.
Worship Services
The church holds worship services every Sunday at 11 AM. You can find them at 402 N. College St, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.
How the Church Started
Central Presbyterian Church began in 1853. Reverend B. Malloy started the Cumberland Presbyterian Church with twelve founding members. Later, in 1905, two national Presbyterian churches joined together. At that time, the local church in Waxahachie became known as Central Presbyterian Church.
The Current Church Building
The building you see today was first used on Easter in 1919. It was designed by an architect named C.D. Hill. The building is made of oriental brick with white stone trim and can seat about five hundred people. It cost $112,522 to build and furnish. The church still uses its original pipe organ, an Austin Opus 809, which was given as a gift.
Helping Others: "Today we became a church!"
In 1950, after World War II, Central Presbyterian Church helped a refugee family from Hungary, the Zsohars. Hungary was under Communist rule at the time. With only two days' notice, the church members quickly prepared a house for the family. Ed Clark, who led the Men’s Bible class, told the church, "Today, we became a church!"
This experience with the Zsohar family had a lasting effect on the church. It showed them the importance of reaching out to people beyond their own community and into the world. A book called Surviving Through Faith, written by Zoltan Zsohar, tells the story of how God used the church members in 1950 to help his family. It describes how they welcomed the family to their new home in Texas and brought the church together.
Caring for Youth
Central Presbyterian Church has a strong commitment to young people. The Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) started its work in Waxahachie in September 1960. This organization provides Christian care and family support to children from birth to 17 years old. They also help single mothers who have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. PCHAS supports children whose families are going through a crisis or other problems that threaten their family life. Over the years, many church members have become mentors to the children. The children and their caregivers from PCHAS are an important part of the church family. The church's deep dedication to PCHAS continues today.
The church's youth group, called Same Difference Youth Group, enjoys spending time together. They also connect with other Presbyterian youth through camps at Mo Ranch and the yearly Senior High Youth Conference within Grace Presbytery. The youth have also been leaders in serving others. In recent years, they have volunteered at places like Our Calling and Union Gospel Mission. They have also gone on mission trips within Texas.
"Bethlehem Revisited"
In 1997, Central Presbyterian Church started an event called "Bethlehem Revisited." This event shows what life was like in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. It includes copies of homes, shops, and other buildings from that time period. People dressed in costumes act as merchants, religious leaders, soldiers, and other people who lived there. Camels, donkeys, goats, and other animals are also part of the event. "Bethlehem Revisited" takes place on the church property, just east of the main building.
Today, this event is a team effort involving several churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals from the community. "Bethlehem Revisited" attracts thousands of visitors from all over the region each Christmas season. It reminds everyone that Jesus is the reason for the season.
See also
