The History of the Church in Cape Girardeau
In 1940 the Broadway Church of Christ in Pauducah, KY was contacted by two members who had moved to Cape asking for help in establishing a local congregation. A tent meeting was held at Themis and Lorimier streets, across from the courthouse with J.D. Harvey preaching. With ten members the church began regular meetings.
The church met above the Buckner-Ragsdale Department Store at the business college. Being locked out one Sunday, they began meeting in the home of one of the members until on November 10, 1941 a dwelling was purchased at 306 S. Benton. They also met at 730 S. Ellis St. (1945) and in the upstairs hall at 421A Broadway.
By November of 1949 the church had 85 members and owned two lots at the corner of West End Blvd. and Bloomfield streets where the present building was constructed. On October 19, 1952 the church met for the firsttime in the new building which was pictured in the November 29, 1952 issue of the Southeast Missourian news-paper and described as the “lovely, modern, new home of the church of Christ.” Although the congregation met in the building in October, the formal opening services were observed on Sunday, November 9th with evangelist Jess Hall as the speaker.
C. W. McEndree and Thurman Simmons were installed as elders in October, 1958. Brother Simmons served for many years in that capacity while brother Mac currently serves.
In the fall of 1962 construction of the Educational Annex was begun. Later the auditorium was renovated and on July 25, 1971 the church was ready to hold its first worship service after this complete renovation of the interior. The center aisle replaced the two side walkways, new carpeting and new pews enhanced the appearanceof the interior.
Over the years many preachers have served the congregation on a full-time basis. A list of these men can be found on the back page. On August 1, 1979 the church began a program to minister to students at Southeast Missouri State University. Campus ministers include Glenn Drysdale, Brad Simpson, David Asbill, Randy Alford, Wade Gillespie, Kevin Knight, and Bryan McAlister. David Bragg held a long-time ministerial position with the Cape congregation from 1982 until 2004.
The church supports the work being done at the Children’s Home in Paragould, AR and continues to reach out into the community of Cape Girardeau.
[Postscript - This article was composed years ago. Current church status may be seen throughout this web site. See Calendar of Events and current Missions programs, both local and international. Robert M. Housby has been working with the Cape congregation as full-time minister since July, 2002. RMH]
Adapted from a history written by Melva McEndree