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This congregation was organized by Philip Miner in 1885 with thirteen charter members. Miner (1825-1901), a native of Pennsylvania and a blacksmith by trade, came to El Paso in 1883 with his wife and five children. Since coming to Texas in 1849, he had been very involved in the establishment of churches and public schools, and he continued this activity in El Paso with the founding of this fellowship. Miner refused any pay for his preaching services. The Rev. Francis Brunner became the church's first salaried pastor in 1890. Early worship services were held in a variety of locations in south El Paso. In 1895, while vacationing in the city, the Rev. J. C. Mason led the congregation to build a sanctuary of its own at 107 Myrtle Avenue. On March 4, 1904, the cornerstone was laid for a new church building at Oregon and Franklin Streets. It was built during the ministry of the Rev. E. M. Waits, who later served as president of Texas Christian University from 1916 to 1941. On November 5, 1950, ground breaking ceremonies were held for a new church home at 901 Arizona Avenue. First Christian Church of El Paso has helped to establish other Disciples of Christ congregations as the city's population has grown. 1985 |
