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Who we are at Calumet Street

We're a fellowship of believers that has no agenda except that of honoring and praising God through our worship, teaching, and lives. As an independent Christian church, we seek to remain faithful to God's word and purpose, hoping only to hear someday, "Well done, good and faithful servants."

We don't subscribe to any creeds or make anyone memorize confessions to join the church. We simply adhere to the teachings of the Bible, doing our best to speak where it speaks and remain silent where it's silent. In matters of faith we're unified, but in matters of opinion we give members liberty, while in all things we exercise love. We're Christians only, but we would never suggest that we're the only Christians.

Becoming a part of Calumet Street

Calumet Street has many friends who join us each week for one or more of our services. Some of these have studied and worshiped with us for a very long time. Others have shared with us for only a few months or weeks. We readily welcome all to participate in any non-leadership activity of the church including trips, sports leagues, classes, choirs, etc.

For some, participating in this way is all that's desired, and we neither expect nor require anything from them. There are others, however, who seek a greater connection with our fellowship. Instead of simply participating in activities and worship with us, they desire to be one with us, to be a part of the fellowship known as Calumet Street Christian Church.

Becoming a part of our church family must be preceded by becoming a part of Christ's family. This is done through making Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord by:

• Admitting that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23)

• Acknowledging that Jesus Christ is God's Son, that he paid the penalty for your sin by his death on the cross, and that he is your only hope of salvation from your sins

• Being obedient to Jesus by changing your way of thinking and acting regarding sin; being baptized into Christ by immersion in order to remove your sins; and surrendering your abilities, desires, and whole life to him

Once Jesus has been made Savior and Lord, an individual is welcome to join the family at Calumet Street by simply stepping forward during one of our worship services and making known his or her desire to be a part of our family.

Where we came from

The history of Calumet Street Christian Church

While driving some twelve miles to attend Boyd Christian Church, two Centralia families, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lamb and Mr. and Mrs. Duane Garren, realized there was a vital need for a church after New Testament principles in the city where they lived and worked. Finally under the challenging preaching of Wayne Shaw at Boyd Christian Church, the decision was made to launch out on faith.

They began contacting people who were also driving some distance to attend a Restoration Movement church. They soon found seven other families with great faith to add to theirs. These nine families met several times in September and October of 1958 laying plans for the establishment of a congregation in Centralia. Their aim for this congregation was that it would seek to restore the principles of New Testament Christianity, using only the simplicity of the scriptures as a guide for faith and practice.

A letter dated October 6, 1958, was sent out to all in Centralia who might be interested, announcing that the Lutheran building and the adjoining house on Hickory Street had been purchased for $13,500, and they would meet for the first time on October 12, 1958. On that day Hickory Street Christian Church met with 56 at Bible School, 68 at the worship service, and 62 at the evening service.

By the beginning of 1961, after a little over two years of existence, there were 138 members, Bible School attendance of 100-130, and worship attendance of 120-150. In 1985, Hickory Street Christian Church moved to the current location and became Calumet Street Christian Church. In 2003, a Family Life Center was added, which includes a conference room, kitchen, gymnasium, classrooms, and the church offices.