Following a protracted meeting of several weeks with Brothers John and Moses Scott, who were the first preachers of the “Disciples”, “Reformers”, and “Christians”, the first church of this faith was started in Blue Lick, Indiana.
The first meeting house was in the original Gum Log Liberty Radical, Methodist Protestant structure, which was located on the Salem-Charlestown Road about 500 feet southeast of the Borden (Providence) Road intersection. This church has been described as a large barnlike structure with large double front doors, with four little windows of 6×8-inch glass panes. The preacher thundered at his hearers from a pulpit that placed his feet nearly at a level with the heads of his hearers when they were standing. Many powerful sermons were preached, and many souls were brought to Christ. They were baptized in the Blue Lick Creek.
The old church building was in a very run-down condition, and so on December 4, 1867, one-half acre was purchased from Henry and Barbara Bollinger for $40. This Deed read “To The Blue Lick Christian Church, Dec. 4, 1867”
Original Blue Lick Members
Membership as of 1860 or earlier included Marcenia Cleveland, Nancy Cleveland, John Swagert, Malinda Swagert, Elisha Rose, Melvina Rose, Nelson Brooks, George Huckleberry, Louisa Huckleberry, John Rose, James Rose, Solomon Rose, Norman Hosea, Janette Hosea, John L. Thomas, 1848, Elvira Thomas, 187, Elzina Rose, Sarah Dietz, Nathan Brooks, Alexander Justice, Frances Carter, Electa Brooks, Sarah Carter, Elizabeth Brooks, Elizabeth Hosea, Mary Hosea, Matthew Clegg, Patrick McGlade, Martha Justice, Melvina A. Rose, Guy C. Guernsey, 1848, Sarah T. Guernsey, 1848, Rebecca Miller, Francis Rose, Sarah Rose.
It is to be noted that the only thing still remaining of OLD Blue Lick of a century ago is the Blue Lick Christian Church. God’s power, not man power, is seen here. May this congregation continue in the future to uphold their faith of an unchanging CHRIST in this rapidly changing world. So be proud of the heritage of pioneer ancestors who, though poor in what we would call earthly goods, were very rich in Christian Love. Our prayer is to be forgiven for our past failures – ” for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. We hope to make this second Century for Christ at Blue Lick even greater as we rededicate our lives to His service. – Taken from Centuries for Christ 100th Anniversary Blue Lick Christian Church
