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 |
Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) is a historic church located at 402 N. College in Waxahachie, Texas. It's a place where people come together to worship and help their community. The church has a long history and is known for its beautiful building and its commitment to helping young people.
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About Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church has more than 250 members. These members come from many different church backgrounds. They all join together to honor God and share the love of Christ. The church has a fun and active youth group. It also has strong connections with Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. CPC is a well-known church in a historic town.
What is the Church's Mission?
The church's mission is simple: Worship. Love. Grow. Act.
Responding to God's Grace
The church community aims to grow in their spiritual faith. They want to show God's love in their daily lives. This happens through their worship, their actions, and how they share their beliefs. They hope everyone will come to know Jesus Christ. The church believes that together, they are like the "body of Christ." This means every person helps the church's mission.
Worship Services
You can attend worship services every Sunday at 11 AM. The church is located at 402 N. College St, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.
How the Church Began
Central Presbyterian Church started in 1853. Reverend B. Malloy organized the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It began with just twelve founding members. Later, in 1905, two national Presbyterian churches joined together. That's when the local church became known as Central Presbyterian Church of Waxahachie, Texas.
The Current Church Building
The building you see today was first used on Easter in 1919. It was designed by architect C.D. Hill. The style is called Late Gothic Revival. It was built with special oriental brick and white stone. The church can seat about five hundred people. The building and its furnishings cost $112,522 back then. The pipe organ, an Austin Opus 809, was a gift. It is still used today!
A Church That Helps Others
In 1950, CPC did something very special. They helped a refugee family from Hungary. This family, the Zsohars, was escaping from a country ruled by Communists after World War II. The church members had only two days to get a house ready for them. Ed Clark, who led the Men’s Bible class, told the church, "Today, we became a church!"
Helping the Zsohar family changed CPC forever. It showed them the importance of reaching out to people beyond their own walls. Zoltan Zsohar wrote a book called Surviving Through Faith. It tells how God used the church members to help his family. It also shows how this act united the church.
Commitment to Young People
Central Presbyterian Church has a deep commitment to young people.
Supporting Children's Homes
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) started its work in Waxahachie in 1960. This group provides care and support to children and single mothers. They help those who have faced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. They also help families going through tough times. Many church members have volunteered as mentors to the kids. The children and their caregivers from PCHAS are an important part of the church family. This strong connection continues today.
Active Youth Group
The church's youth group is called "Same Difference Youth Group." They have a strong tradition of friendship. They also connect with other Presbyterian youth. They attend camps at Mo Ranch and the annual Senior High Youth Conference. The youth group has also been leaders in service. They volunteer at places like Our Calling and Union Gospel Mission. They have also gone on mission trips within Texas.
“Bethlehem Revisited” Event
In 1997, Central Presbyterian Church started "Bethlehem Revisited." This is a special event that shows what life was like in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. It includes copies of homes, shops, and other buildings from that time. People dressed in costumes act as merchants, priests, soldiers, and other people. Camels, donkeys, goats, and other animals are also part of the event. "Bethlehem Revisited" takes place on the church property.
Today, many churches, businesses, and people from the community work together on this event. "Bethlehem Revisited" brings thousands of visitors each Christmas season. It reminds everyone that Jesus is the reason for the season.
See also
