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Cedar Plains Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)

390 Cedar Plains Road / P. O. Box 603 / Falkville, Alabama / 35622-0603 / 256-462-3744

In Christ's name and by his grace
we accept our mission of witness
and service to all people.

We rejoice in God,
maker of heaven and earth,
and in God's covenant of love
which binds us to God and one another.

Through baptism into Christ
we enter into newness of life
and are made one with the whole people of God.

In the communion of the Holy Spirit
we are joined together in discipleship
and in obedience to Christ.

At the Table of the Lord
we celebrate with thanksgiving
the saving acts and presence of Christ.

Within the universal church
we receive the gift of ministry
and the light of scripture.

In the bonds of Christian faith
we yield ourselves to God
that we may serve the One
whose kingdom has no end.

Blessing, glory, and honor
be to God forever.

As members of the Christian Church,
we confess that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of the Living God,
and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ).
The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism

We are congregationally governed by elected officers and autonomous in our decisions.
As a local congregation we are, along with all Disciples congregations, in covenantal relationship with the regional and general manifestations of the denomination.

Today, we average a weekly worship attendance of about twenty, with an annual operating budget of the past few years averaging around $25,000, along with financial support of various outreach causes, Disciple and non-Disciple related. We are a middle-to-senior age congregation but you wouldn't know it! We remain active with periodic refurbishing of our facility, a Christian Women's Fellowship who published our first-ever cookbook this year, and a moment during Sunday morning worship for a message for young folks. These activities, and others, are due to our belief that God is not finished with us yet, as well as congregational workers who are the "salt of the earth" disciples and have been nurtured in the rural areas - early risers, hard and competent workers and people who know the value of a day's work done well.

Our eldest member will celebrate her 95th birthday this December, 2007 - Pernie Morris. The member who has been affiliated with the congregation the longest recently celebrated her 94th borthday - Frances Laney. Both of these women are not 'wall flowers!' Frankly, there are times when they put the rest of us to shame on account of there church activity and boundless energy...!

We have been fortunate and blessed to have the association of wonderful sister churches in the Brotherhood, especially those of our "District One" of north Alabama. Through the years we have shared many memorable experiences in Christ. Those congregations are a unique part of who we are today and we recognize their value beyond even our association and mutual activities within District One. God bless them!

Athens, Cullman, Decatur, Florence, Hartselle, Huntsville (2), Madison, Valhermoso Springs

Today, we are farmers and truck drivers, registered nurses, retirees, public schoolschool teachers, realtors, Redstone Arsenal retirees, retired US Postal Service, retired Dunlop, retired Armark, Copeland manufacturing, retired tax collector clerk, retired Lockheed, Wolverine manufacturing, physical rehabilitation executive, retired County deputy sheriff, school cafeteria supervisor, Compass Bank staff, Web Wheel manufacturing Parkway Hospital cafeteria server... But most of all we are Christians expressing our love for our Lord and Savior through the Disciples Brotherhood and in various service activities and outreach opportunities.

We hope that, as you have the opportunity, you will one day make a side trip only six miles off Interstate 65, or perhaps some other route and visit us one Sunday morning to receive and offer blessings with us. You can't miss and will want to visit our Archives Room. Or, you might just stop by for a visit one weekday and see our House, sample the fresh country air, visit with a few cows, goats, chickens or horses, and simply enjoy the senic ride through the country. It would be a good opportunity for you to 'stop and smell the roses.'

And if no one is home, leave us a note on the doorstep and we'll rejoice in our newfound friendship!

God bless you...!

Cedar Plains Cemetery is located on top of the cedar mountain located southwest of the church. It is a plot taken from the R. D. Patterson farm, containing two acres, more or less. It has approximately 25 graves. Some of the founding members of the church buried there are: William Perry Wallace, Sr. and his third wife, Mary Grant Wallace, William Perry Wallace, Jr., and Jesse T. Wood, Sr., and his wife Mary Jane. The epitaph on the tombstone of Jesse T. Wood, Sr. reads: "An honest man is the noblest work of God."

Among the other early members buried there are: Maude Fitzgerald Morris (Mrs. P. A. Morris) and her child, Pauline, Alfred M. Wilhite, his wife and son, Dr. Monroe (Mun).

Dr. Mun grew up at Cedar Plains but moved to Texas where he died and was buried. His mother grieved that he was not buried "at home." At her request one of Dr. Wilhite's brothers (Jim) went to Texas, exhumed the body and brought it home by horse and wagon, so that Dr. Wilhite could be buried at Cedar Plains.

The care of the cemetery had been sadly neglected until Mr. Paul Wilhite, on his own initiative, has been cleaning it. (Paul Wilhite is a distant relative of Dr. Mun Wilhite). Mr. Wilhite's labors in maintaining the cemetery are greatly appreciated.

The following listing was taken from the Office of the Probate Judge of Morgan County:

The Cedar Plains Cemetery was originally The Wood Family Cemetery. There are 21 markers plus ten unidentified from the Office of the Probate Judge. There was an on-site count of 40 marker in 2004. Ten graves are marked with fieldstone without names.

Wood Frank M. headstone April 3, 1863 November 4, 1884

Wood Nick B. headstone September 11, 1871 January 12, 1885

Wood Alvis B. headstone April 13, 1883 September 17, 1885 - son of J. H. & F. J. Wood

Wood Henry C. headstone November 28, 1855 December 25, 1885

Wood Monroe headstone May 23, 1855 April 6, 1892

Wood John R. footstone October 2, 1892 - aged 44 years

Tucker Sarah Idella footstone June 29, 1869 November 4, 1892 - wife of W. E. Tucker

Gibson Avery headstone January 22, 1893 - aged 3 years

Burte Ned headstone August 18, 1893 - aged 38 years

Wood Ida E. footstone October 23, 1876 December 24, 1893

Wood Jesse T. headstone October 23, 1820 September 05, 1894 - father

Patterson little Gracie footstone April 29, 1894 May 22, 1895 - daughter of R. D. & M. E. Patterson

Wilhite Rev. A. M. footstone July 7, 1899 - 75 years 2 months, 26 days

Wilhite Elizabeth C. footstone December 3, 1825 August 10, 1901 - wife of Rev. A. M. Wilhite

Wallace Willie P. footstone February 20, 1868 June 27, 1902 - son of W. R. & Mary Wallace

Wood Mollie M. October 15, 1865 May 5, 1903

Morris Ida Maud footstone January 13, 1881 April 2, 1904 - wife of P. A. Morris

Morris Pauline M. footstone January 20, 1903 June 11, 1904 - daughter of P. A. & I. M. Morris

Wallace Mary A. footstone December 24, 1840 January 20, 1917

Wallace W. P. footstone February 22, 1826 September 2, 1921

Wood Mary J. headstone October 23, 1833 January 25, 1922

Beginning in 2003, the congregation returned to the cemetery to continue maintaining it each year. Repairs have been done to a few damaged headstones, cleaning, raking and general sprucing up of the area. A prayer service is conducted and in 2007, a member of the congregation, Mr. George Watson, drew a diagram of the location of each marker along with names. His efforts were framed and are displayed in our archives room.

OPEN COMMUNION

The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

FREEDOM OF BELIEF

Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expecte to extend that freedom to others.

BAPTISM BY IMMERSION

In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.

BELIEF IN THE ONENESS OF THE CHURCH

All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.

THE MINISTRY OF ALL BELIEVERS

Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

Our Vision
To be a faithful, growing church, that demonstrates
true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.

Micah 6:8

Our Mission
To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps
"to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

Rev. Keith Andrews
256-606-0903

Alabama Historical Association marker
dedicated Sunday, October 14, 2007, the same month and date when the 1956 building
was dedicated following the 1955 tornado
which completely destroyed the 1884 building.

170 Years
at the
Same Location

We are a congregation with an established history in the Falkville area of southwest Morgan County, Alabama. Our heritage reaches back to the early years of the Nineteenth Century and the influence of those who promoted a new perspective on the Gospel and a desire to rekindle the original purposes of the New Testament apostles.

Our forefathers were pioneer citizens of the American landscape which was just over fifty years old. Our standard was placed in 1837 when we became a part of the Brotherhood of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), itself only five years old, since 1832.

We have a long and rich history of hard work and commitment to the Cause of Christ and dedication to our Brotherhood. August, 2007, marked our 170th Anniversary of uninterrupted service in the same location, through four buildings- a log cabin, two frame structures, the second completely destroyed by a tordano of 1954, and the present structure, dedicated in 1955.

You can read about our history elsewhere on this website.

The following is an excerpt from the 150th Anniversary History Book of cedar Plains Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), edited by Jimmy Ott Henderson, son to our former pastor, Rev. Jim Henderson, whose father, Rev. Otto Henderson, also served as pastor of the church.

170 years
at the same location

cake decorated by Roberta McCulloch of First Christian Church (DOC) of Decatur. It was truly a wonderful evening.

That morning, The Rev. Dr. Paul Koch of Interfaith Missions Service, Huntsville, AL, brought a message and a messagae for young folks. Charles howse, who alaso grew up and was baptised in the church, sang three solos which were wonderful as usual. We took up an offering which will be relayed to SNAP - Special Needs Accessable Playground. A playground for children with physical and other needs.

In a few weeks we will seal our time capsule which will be opened on our 200th anniversary, in the year 2037.

It was a truly blessed day for Cedar Plains...!

Our first-ever cookbook! - $12

Cedar Plains hosted a "Miraculous Day" in 2004, a smaller version of the regional Miracle Day, in which the congregations of District One gathered to spruce up the facilities and landscape of our church. Many things were accomplished - the construction of a pavilion, planting of some thirty Leland Cypress trees, power washing the siding, placement of playground equipment among other projects. One in particular was sponsored by the congregation from First Christian Church of Huntsville, Alabama - the construction of a beautiful eight-by-ten gazebo on the west side of the church beneath the oak trees. More than one-hundred thirty people gathered for the day-long Miraculous Day event!

A group of over fifty attended the dedication of the historical marker on Sunday, October 14, 2007. Folks gathered in the sanctuary and reminisced waewhile about years gone by, the achievements and struggles. Some were present who grew up in the church and/or the Cedar Plains, Massey, Danville, Falkville areas.

After about fifteen minutes we proceeded outside to the site of the marker which was covered. After a brief ceremony, some singing, Pernie Morris, our eldest member (95 this December 23rd) pulled the cord unveiling the marker. Helium-filled balloons and soap bubbles were also a part of the celebration. It was a beautiful occasion as the sun was setting with red and orange colors reflecting on the horizon.

We then shared some time in our fellowship hall with beautifully decorated tables, red roses, mints ands other finger foods, along with a beautiful sheet