How it all started...
The Community Church formed around the 1940s. The original chapel was built by volunteers, with no blueprints and handmade cement blocks. The first worship service was held on October 8, 1950. To the right, Gamble, Lethie, and Wonna Lin Williams are standing in front of the Community Church in 1961. Gamble helped to build the church (now chapel) and he and his family lived in a house located on the corner next to Hwy 98. Additions to the building were made in 1956, 1984, 1987, and 1998.
In early 2010, the church again broke ground to expand its facilities, adding more space to accommodate its preschool, classroom, and meeting space. The new two-story building, attached to the administrative wing of the main structure, opened in January of 2011, providing much needed space for the preschool, administrative offices, Sunday school classes, Bible study, children’s church, and family ministry activities.
The original “chapel” serves several of the church’s outreach ministries and has also been the meeting place for the El Shaddai Hispanic Congregation on Sunday and Thursday evenings for over ten years. We host semi-annual services where the congregations worship together, in English and Spanish, all for the glory of God.
In early 2010, the church again broke ground to expand its facilities, adding more space to accommodate its preschool, classroom, and meeting space. The new two-story building, attached to the administrative wing of the main structure, opened in January of 2011, providing much needed space for the preschool, administrative offices, Sunday school classes, Bible study, children’s church, and family ministry activities.
The original “chapel” serves several of the church’s outreach ministries and has also been the meeting place for the El Shaddai Hispanic Congregation on Sunday and Thursday evenings for over ten years. We host semi-annual services where the congregations worship together, in English and Spanish, all for the glory of God.
Expanding the vision...
In addition to building a healthy community of maturing Jesus followers across every age and stage of life, Community Church is an active member of the South Walton Ministry Association, which seeks partnership with other SoWal Christian churches to build the Kingdom of God. Our weekly Ukulele and Bible study ministries to our area’s senior living and memory care facilities continue to grow in their effectiveness. Our church also hosts several organizations throughout the year, including but not limited to: the Girls Scouts of South Walton, a local AA Chapter, a mental health support group, grief support ministries, KALEO Summer Ministry, various Snowbird events/activities, and an English as a Second Language Ministry. The summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of our most rewarding ministries.
Where we are headed...
As church adapts to the 21st-century, it stands by its commitment to preserving the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the Light and Hope of the world. Community Church has remained one of the oldest surviving churches in the local area and we pray it will continue to remain relevant and a vital part of our community for many years to come.
