A Brief History of Prairie Avenue
The story of Prairie Avenue began in April 1922, when members of the boards
of Central Christian and First Christian churches in Decatur met in the basement
of First Christian church to create a Decatur Missionary Society to help plan
expansion of the work of the Christian churches in the city. On September
26, 1924, as part of the celebration of the anniversaries of First Christian and
Central, the Decatur Christian Missionary Society gathered 75 men at 7:00 a.m.
for the purpose of building a church in one day on the grounds secured by the
society. By 7 p.m., the Dedicatory services were conducted by H. H.
Peters, the state secretary of the Christian churches. The first church
service was held in the frame building on September 28, 1924, led by Rev. R. R.
Finlayson. The church was named Seventh Street Christian Church at the
close of the meeting. Seventh Street Christian Church remained the name of
the congregation until February 1942, when Seventh Street was renamed 22nd
Street, and the name was changed to Prairie Avenue Christian Church.
In 1949 the
original building was destroyed by fire and in 1951 the congregation began
worshipping in their current sanctuary. In 1968 the congregation broke ground
for an education building. The Christian Men's Fellowship was established in
1924 and they continue to be an active and vital ministry. They meet monthly and
money they raise supports outreach work. They have assisted with the upkeep of
Camp Walter Scott near Dietrich, Illinois and they have helped many members with
projects around their homes. For fun, the men enjoy playing dartball monthly.
The Christian Women's Fellowship hosts an annual Garage Sale in June and
an October Bazaar. The Women raise money for outreach, for youth attending camp
and for mission trips.
Traditional Worship Service 9:00 on Sunday Morning
Casual Worship Service 11:00 on Sunday Morning
"There are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are a varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." 1Corinthians12:4-6