The Church of Christ in the Collinsville / Troy Area

By Terry Mabery

Mission

The church of Christ at 1400 Troy Road in Troy, Illinois (just west of RP Lumber) is a nondenominational congregation of Christians that base their worship, service, and being on the principles found in God's word, the Holy Bible. We follow no creed but Christ, no manual but the Bible, and no authority spiritually but God.

Brief History

The Collinsville (Illinois) church of Christ was established in April 1956. Several families met in homes until they purchased a building at 302 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL. After remodeling, the building seated about one hundred on the main floor. In 1959, the building and preacher's home at Clay and Hesperia were purchased. In 1960, Windle Kee began work with the congregation as the first full time evangelist. The growing church demanded larger facilities by 1969. Property was purchased and a larger facility was built between Collinsville and Troy at 1400 Troy Road, the South Frontage Road. In the late 1980's that facility was renovated and added to. In the late 1990's the property was annexed by the city of Troy, Illinois.

The church has a long history of serving the communities around her. The church keeps a stocked food pantry for those who need it. A clothing give away is also conducted at least once a year. Meals on wheels were provided for nearly twenty years in the 1970's and 1980's. A "Thursday School" program provided for children in the 1970's through the early 1990's. Many will also remember the bus ministry that was run by the congregation in the 1970's.

The church has been a mission minded church and now oversees the work of Windle Kee's son, Paul, who serves as missionary to Cameroon, Africa. Other mission efforts include support to missionaries in Russia and the Far East, as well as helping support a prison ministry in Missouri.

Organization

As is set out in the Bible, we are not connected with any denominational organization, ruling convention, or national or world headquarters. Our headquarters is on heaven with Jesus as our head. The Bible authorizes elders to serve in the capacity of overseers or bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). We have such men who serve faithfully as elders. They have charge of seeing that the church of Christ faithfully holds to the precepts of the Bible in teaching, service and worship.

The New Testament church was served by deacons, men who helped meet the needs of the church. One example of how deacons served is found in Acts 6:1-6. We have qualified men presently serving in this capacity (1 Timothy 3:8-13). They work diligently to serve this congregation of Christians in accordance with the guidance given in the Bible.

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