LaVergne Church of Christ |
History
The LaVergne Church of Christ is one of the oldest congregations of the church of Christ in Rutherford County, Tennessee, dating back to the mid 19th century.
The nearest date to the actual beginning of the church is in connection with the work of Joshua K. Speer, who in 1855 preached for the Rock Springs church. From the book "Biographical Sketches of Gospel Preachers," the following is taken:
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The first known meeting house of the LaVergne congregation was near the Rutherford/Davidson county line at Buchanan Springs.
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During the Civil War, this building was confiscated by Union soldiers and later destroyed and used to make leantos and make-shift housing. Later, the congregation built a small meeting house which was located on the site where the Lavergne Telephone Company now stands. This building burned in 1885, and because there was not sufficient space at that location for hitching the horses with their wagons and buggies, another location was sought. At that time, Mr. Billy Goodman offered a piece of property on the Old Nashville Highway, and a building was constructed. In 1916 a new building was erected in the same approximate location. |
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It was near the turn of the century that a sum of money was paid to the church by the government for the destruction of the original building by the Union soldiers.
With the use of this money, the present building was remodeled in 1925. In that year, the building was moved back to where it now stands. The outside was bricked, and a coal furnace was added. In 1944 further remodeling was done. Hardwood floors were laid, and the ceiling and walls were redecorated. In 1951 rooms for Bible classes were added, along with a baptistry. A well was also dug at that time, and a pump was installed, making a drinking fountain and modern restrooms possible for the first time. Electrical heating was a welcome addition to the new section. In 1959 new pews were added with a matching pulpit and table.
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In 1967 it was decided to employ a full time preacher. The preacher's home was built just behind the church building on the newly purchased property. The cost of construction was approximately $17,000. In early 1969, final plans were decided upon for the construction of a new auditorium adjacent to the left wing of the old building. The building was erected at a cost of nearly $100,000. Formal opening services were held on October 19th.
Over the years, many faithful men have stood in the pulpit of the LaVergne meeting house.
Prior to 1944, different speakers were invited each Lord's day, or by monthly appointments. Bro. Warmuth Peebles and Bro. Rosseau Cullum were the last to speak by monthly engagements. Wallis Beasley started working with the church on January 2, 1944, preaching twice on Sunday and teaching on Wednesday night. This continued through August of 1945. He was followed by J.J. Reynolds, James Keaster, Paul Mills, Cal Arquit, Andrew Peal, Tom Trimble, Henry Peebles, Charlie Tarkington, and Phillip Speer. Bro. Speer passed away in 1966, at which time Charlie Tarkington resumed these duties. In August of 1966, Calvin Parker began preaching for the church and stayed until September of 1967. At that time, Bro. Jon Gary Williams moved into the new preacher's home and became the first full time minister. Bro. Williams has continued in this capacity as the only full-time minister for the church in LaVergne, Tennessee.
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