Berea Church of Christ

The Berea Church of Christ is the oldest Church of Christ in Fayette County, and has been listed as founded in 1845, however the founding members were probably meeting earlier in private homes. The founding members were the Hugh McCaleb family, the Lauderdales, the Logans and a few others. It has been claimed that old Berea was the third congregation in the state of Alabama, and was predated only by the Rocky Branch church in Bridgeport, and by the church at Moulton.

The first building for the church was on a creek not far from the present church building. The Randolph’s, Elisha, Lorenzo, Dow, Simeon, Jeremiah and Virgil along with Jim Wade were all instrumental in establishing a viable congregation. John McCaleb was also an early preacher for several years. In the early 1900’s a wooden building was erected at the present site. The current brick building was built in 1959.

In the mid 1950’s, Houston Haney and Wiley Hollingsworth were the Elders who saw the greatest growth of the church. Both of these men were preachers and served as Elders until they died. They both preached in many other congregations and were instrumental in helping other churches grow. From the time Berea was started as a congregation , it’s preachers have always been helpful in starting other churches.

Berea remains an active congregation with its original mission, but since times have changed, the church’s status has also changed with the community’s population shifts.
by Jim Herren

Berea Church of Christ Later Years

In the present building of the Berea Church of Christ is a corner stone which reads 1845. This building stands where three previous buildings stood. The brick structure there today was built in 1959.

History reveals it was through the influence of ministers, John Taylor and Jeremiah Randolph that the Berea church was established. It seems to have been the only Church of Christ existing in Fayette County before the Civil War.

Berea has had a number of preachers over the years. A few of these were John McCaleb, Gus Nichols, Houston Haney, Wiley Hollingsworth, Curtis Posey, Wesley Thompson, Lyndell Fikes, and Dale Hubbert. The present misinter is John Robertson.

Not only were Bro. Hollingsworth and Bro. Thompson beloved preachers and elders of the church at Berea, they were also men who dedicated their life as educators in public schools. Mr. Hollingsworth was a principal of Hubbertville school for many years before becoming Superintendent of Education in the later years of his career. He influenced many young people in their future occupation as well as being good citizens.

Mr. Thompson was an admired teacher who loved history and became a well known author. One of his books, “Tories of the Hills”, had been in great demand.

Berea has been fortunate to have capable men to lead the congregation throughout the years. It still continues to grow in love and concern for its members and the community.

Photo here is taken outside the Berea church includes Wyman and Lois Jones, Wiley and Pauline Hollingsworth, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Lyndell and Virginia Fikes, Wesley and Leatha Thompson.
By Virginia Fikes