History of Perryville Christian Church

By George M. Miller

Edited by Michael R. Swartzentruber (2007)

The men who build forget the men who lend the way;

The glory of the first to go is as the vanished day.

But yet an urge is in our blood, a faith to conquer fears,

And we inherit still from the noble pioneers.

W. C. McIntyre

Editor's Note:

The “History of Perryville Christian Church” is a valuable resource to any member or interested individual. It combines an “insiders” perspective with interesting historical claims. Further work needs to be taken to verify and properly document all of the information asserted by George Miller. However, this history does adequately attempt to situate the history of Perryville Christian Church in its geographic, historical, and religious context. The history of Perryville, the Disciples movement (with its restorative trajectory and denominational schisms), and the church proper provide insight into the direction and work the Christian community in Perryville has undertaken. As with any historical reflection, knowledge of the past is useful for a better future.

It is my hope that the editing and redistribution of this history will incite others to take up the task of completing our church's history. There is a significant time period whose voice has not been represented in these pages. Our church, present and future, could profit from the effort and research necessary for completing our history. May we not shy away from this task, but consider it an opportunity to serve both church and God.

It is also my hope that the information, speculation, and reflections contained in this short history will direct our thoughts for the future of our church, our community, and our world. As we labor to up-build God's Kingdom, may the testament of our past be the inspiration for our future.

Grace and Peace,
Michael R. Swartzentruber, Pastor

May 13, 2007