One of the finest, progressive, forward steps ever in the interest of strengthening the imagery of downtown Carthage is to be seen in the original home of one of the earliest pioneer churches here and one prominent in the emphasis upon civilized society within the restraints of Christian idealism that shaped the populace of the entire Ozarks Region and formed the foundations of the region as we know it today. It is the still proudly standing original home of the First Congregational Church of Carthage, dating from 1874. That was during an era when Congregationalists were possibly the strongest Christian voice in the region and the leader in conversion of the regional society and development of educational and health care institutions in every city in the region. For example, it was at that time that the “Church of the Pilgrims” successfully promoted and provided supporting funding and personnel for installation of the institution now known as Drury University. Carthage ran second only to Springfield in the competition to be host to Drury, which incidentally is my alma mater.
The proud old church structure, which had a transfusion of strength from Carthage Historic Preservation before serving a variety of modern purposes and finally becoming the property of Attorney Gregory Payne. He now has completed restoration of the structure at 7th and Lyon Streets and installed his professional office in gracious quarters within its walls. By renewing its strength and giving it a new long-term lease on life, he has improved downtown Carthage, particyulaly its appeal to tourists and history scholars nationwide.
The building has served several churches and schools ‘though its initial use ended with construction in the block to the south of a new Congregational home, a building also important in the history of growing Carthage.
Of particular interest to me was its use for an extended period as home to Carthage’s Christian Science worship and learning center. Among those involved in promoting and supporting that enterprise were my paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette VanGilder, along with my great uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. George VanGilder.
Most important, however, was the dignified and celebrated service in influencing the spread of the Christian faith throughout the pioneering era across the Ozarks Region.
I hope that building will remain for an additional century and more, all the while quietly testifying to the impact of the love of God and its timeless power for good.
Marvin VanGilder is a columnist for The Carthage Press
