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FLAT RIVER CHURCH OF CHRIST

Published by THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, in a special edition for FLAT RIVER DAY, Saturday, Aug. 1, 1936:

This congregation was set in order by W. G. Roberts of Kemp, Illinois, now of Mattoon, Illinois, in the year 1905, with about sixteen charter members. Of these sixteen charter members, [all having lived in Mine La Motte] and all have passed beyond with the exception of five, these being Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Mayberry of Bonne Terre, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Rehkop of Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. George Lawson of Cape Girardeau, Mo. The highest point of membership in our 31 years has been about 215 members. As fruit of this congregation other churches have been established at Bonne Terre and Festus, Mo., and River Rouge, Mich. Re-establishments have been made at Mine La Motte and Cross Roads, Mo. During the 31 years of our church, worship has been suspended on only two Lord's days. This was during a small pox epidemic when public gatherings were forbidden by law.

Thus we continue to keep the ordinance of the Lord's hours as set forth in the New Testament.

We extend a hearty welcome to all to come worship with us. Bible study each Lord's day at 10:15 a.m. Memory exercise at 10:30, edification lesson at 11:30 to 11:40, communion at 11:45.

Preaching each Lord's day evening at 7:45. Come and enjoy this service with us.
E. L. Barton, Pastor.

Published by THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Fri. June 10, 1938:

The Church of Christ was organized in Flat River in the year 1905 in what was then the East Ward school building, which stood just across the street north of the J. W. Watts store, with sixteen members. Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mayberry, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mayberry, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Rehkop, Mr. and Mrs. George Lawson, Mrs. Mary Crump, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brown, Mrs. Nancy Hart, Mrs. Sarah Lawson, Mrs. Ellen Dalton. All of the charter members were from Mine La Motte.

The first meeting was held by evangelist W. G. Roberts of Kemp, Ill., and at this meeting 14 additional members were converted -- this bringing the membership to 30. Of the additional 14 only three remain, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Willard and Mrs. Emma Dalton. Of the charter members, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mayberry now reside at Bonne Terre, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Rehkop now live at Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. George Lawson now resides in Centerville, Jim Brown and his wife live in St. Louis. Mrs. Ellen Dalton still resides in Flat River.

In 1906 a church was erected in Crawley Bottom at the present site. Later, in 1922, the congregation erected a parsonage on the same lot. In addition to carrying on its local work the church has contributed much to missions. Its present membership is 69 and a Bible class for children is conducted each Sunday with an attendance of about 50. Rev. E. L. Barton, the present pastor, has served for a number of years as has J. W. Watts, an elder in the church.

The following was published in "A Living History of Flat River, Desloge, Elvins, Farmington, Missouri", copyright 1953, by Bob McHenry: 

The Flat River Church of Christ was organized in the year 1905 in what was the East Ward School with 16 charter members, all having lived in Mine La Motte, Mo.  The first meeting resulted in 14 additional members.  The present building is located at 220 Crane St. and was erected in 1906.  The present membership is about 100.  J. W. Watts and Carl Dalton, Elders; Loya Mabery and Rolla Smith, Deacons.

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