First Christian Church, located at 202 South Broadway, in the picturesque town of Shelbyville, Illinois, is a church with a rich history.

The church was founded in March,1836, by a group of 22 baptized believers who met in the home of Polly Smith.  They drafted a document proclaiming the local body into existence and set apart two Elders of the Congregation, Bushrod W. Henry and John J. Page. The group met for some time in the log courthouse which stood in the town square as well as  in the homes of the members. 

The little group was making a name in the state, however, for in 1850, the first state meeting was held here, and the State Missionary Society was organized.  In 1855, Eureka College was founded and Bushrod Henry was named one of its first trustees.

In 1845 the first church building was erected diagonally across the street from the present structure. In 1861 a new building was begun on the same site which was not finished until 1870 due to the Civil War. Then in 1922 the cornerstone of the present church was laid, and on September 16, 1923, dedication services were held in the new church building. 

Sometime in the late 1860's Alexander Campbell, one of the three founders of the Christian Church, gave an address here.

In 1947 we became what was known as a Link church, supporting a missionary in the foreign field. In 1948, another state convention was held here.

Music has always been an important part of the church.  In 1951 the first chimes were dedicated.  At one time the Sunday School had an orchestra and in 1909 there was a Young Women's Glee Club. Drama has also had a place in worship.  In the early part of the century, ambitious programs were given by the children at Christmas and on Children's Day,  In the 1930's the whole church cooperated in putting on an Easter pageant for several years to a packed auditorium.

Through the years, the church has faithfully supported missions in the community, our nation and abroad.  We have provided evangelistic programs, and worked with the young people of our church and community.  In 1978, we held an ordiantion service for Kevin Ray, a Timothy from our church.

Our church's special anniversaries have been celebrated, the last in March, 2006.

This church is proud of its heritage and we celebrate its richness.  We have accomplished remarkable things as we have worked together.  We are also a church looking forward to a bright future, as we continue to focus on what God is doing among His people today.

Stay tuned...the best is yet to come!