Gower Christian Church History

This congrgation's history began on September 18, 1853, when a group of thirty citizens of this area met to organize under the name of The Christian Church. These, with others who united with them, completed the organization at Antioch, one mile north of Gower where they built a building of native lumber and became the Antioch Christian Church.

During the Civil War the church was temporarily abandoned. It was reported that the church was used by the James brothers for an overnight hideout. After the war, the church reorganized as the Gower Christian Church, on December 17, 1882.

A new building was built on South Third Street. In 1911 the building was remodeled and enlarged. On December 29, 1935, the church was completely destroyed by fire. The main part of the present brick building was dedicated on April 25, 1937. In October of 1973, construcion began on an educatoin wing and was dedicated May 19, 1974. The congregation completed in 1995, another building project that expanded the sanctuary, adding an elevator and revamping the entryway.

Over the years the church has increased its spiritual outreach growth by responding to needs of a growing community. The church continues to work with the Clinton County Health Department. Semi-annual bloodmobiles are held in our facility. The Meals on Wheels Program in Gower is coordinated through the efforts of this congregation. Currently, the Gower Christian Chruch has partnered with East Buchanan School District and the YMCA of St. Joseph, to provide before and after school childcare in the church.

Robert C. Elliott Jr. has been minister of the church since July 1, 1975. His vigorous and energetic leadership continues the tradition of the Gower Christian Church to "win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the Church, to help them grow in grace and knowledge of Christ... and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task in building the Kingdom of God."