Church of Christ
Prospect, Indiana


History of
The Church of Christ at Prospect, Indiana
by Charles Johnson 
In June of 1858, Phillip and Penelope Shively deeded the land for the building structure where the Church of Christ at Prospect meets. They also deeded the land for the cemetery plot in Prospect and are buried there.
The first meeting structure was a long, log one room structure and was used until about 1900. It was torn down at that time and the main assembly room of the present structure was built. Two classrooms and restrooms were added in the late 1950's on the north and a baptistry was added to the south end in the mid 1970's.
The doors were closed for three (3) years in the 1930's. A Mrs. Lane and George Parks met on the street in West Baden while watching the Barnum and Bailey Circus parade through and decided to reopen the doors. After repairing the building that had been abandoned for three years, the doors were re-opened for the Lord's people to meet and worship. The doors have remained open since.
About 70-75 people are in attendance for each Sunday morning workship. There are Sunday evening services and Wednesday evening Bible studies. Roscoe Combs, of Paoli, Indiana is presently preaching there. Lest some be omitted or slighted, and for the lack of room, other members will not be listed here. The Lord counts all his children precious and know those who are his.

Respectfully submitted,
Charles Johnson, member
May 1, 1995
 
The original church building was completed in 1861. The text of the deed conveying title to the Christian Church of New Prospect implies that the church building and cemetery would occupy the same 1/2 acre. The existing church building is some distance away.

From Orange County deed record book 18, page 423 June 21, 1858
"Philip and Penelope Shively for natural love and affection, warranty deed to trustees of the Christian Church of New Prospect: John Purkhizer, Levi Lane, and Henry Hall. For purpose of graveyard and church building. North side of town of New Prospect, at stone marked A, then west 12 ro\ds to stone B, then north 14 rods to stone C, then east 14 rods to D, then to place of start, 1 acre more or less, part of the SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of section 27. Also part of the NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of section 27, beginning at stone A, then west 6 rods to stone B, then north 10 rods to stone C, then east 6 rods to stone D, then to beginning, 1/2 acre more or less."

The New Albany Daily Ledger
Friday, 25 February 1870

 Elder Philip Shively reports twenty-five additions to the Christian church, under his ministry, the past two weeks, in Orange county.
Courtesy of Cathy Clark

Paoli Weekly News
October 3, 1877
 
Election Notice
 Notice is hereby given that there will be an election held at the New Prospect Christian Church, Orange County , Indiana on the 20th day of October, 1877 at 4 o'clock p.m., for the purpose of electing three trustees for said church.

The Orleans Progress
17 February 1898
French Lick and Vicinity

The members of New Prospect Christian church are preparing to remodel the church, and will begin work as soon as the weather will permit. This building is probably the oldest house of worship in Orange county, having commenced the erection of it in 1858, but it was not completed until 1861. There has been more than a thousand souls converted here, and good work will be continued.
Courtesy of Cathy Clark