SURPRISE

Twenty-two people came together in 1893 to form Surprise Christian Church in a schoolhouse on Freedom Hill along State Road 258 near Surprise.

In neat cursive writing, it’s stated that church members were baptized upon the confession of their faith in Jesus Christ, and they desired to unite in a congregation because they believed in the wisdom of associated effort in things spiritual and temporal.

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Because they earnestly desired to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Word of God.

Because they believed that by combining their means and talents, they may become more influential workers for Christ in the community, securing consecration for their cause and a deeper Christian life for themselves.

“We pledge ourselves by the aid of God’s Word to lead lives of personal righteousness, to give freely as the Lord blesses our labors for the maintenance of his cause, to attend faithfully upon the church and to do good to all men,” the covenant stated.

That agreement has remained the same for the church, even after a new building was constructed in 1902 along North County Road 100W, in 1964 when the current building was constructed and more recently when additions were made to the church.

“If you read why they formed a congregation, you can understand why it’s still going because they were specific in their intent and purpose of what they needed to be about,” Pastor Rick Grant said.

On Sunday, the current congregation, which consists of a couple hundred members, will celebrate the church’s 125th anniversary.

Sunday school, worship, a special music program and a potluck dinner are planned, and booklets with historical information and pictures will be handed out.

Part of the reason the church is still going strong is because family members of the early members have made it a priority in their lives.

“I really think what held us together is about four families that built the church and started it, they had large families themselves, and the kids kept coming,” church member Peggy Gay said. “The thing here is they take the Bible as it is, and it’s taught with love and understanding toward each other, and they all got along, and it has worked so far.”

Grant said while many members have gone on to other churches over the years for various reasons, the influences established at Surprise Christian Church continue to make an impact.

At the same time, there have been a number of people join the church in recent years. When they walk in the doors, they feel welcomed, Grant said.

“I think probably the big thing here is this is probably the least judgmental group I’ve ever been among,” he said. “When we go, we have church. We don’t worry about what everybody else is wearing or what everybody else is driving. We just go, and we want to be together, and it’s an encouragement to come.”

People have asked to be baptized, and the word has spread that Surprise Christian Church is focused on the Word.

“It’s not me. I’m along for the ride,” Grant said, smiling. “It’s just neat to see when people are encouraged, they tend to become encouragers. That’s what we need to hear today. There’s so much knocking people down. We need to encourage one another and care about one another, and if you’re not here, ‘Where are you at?’ and ‘We missed you.’”

Every Sunday morning, Grant said he starts the worship service with a time of greeting, where everyone gets out of the pews and goes around to greet people.

“We’re probably more what church used to be. We’re still that kind of church,” he said. “It’s kind of like being a part of a big family, and that’s what you feel like when you’re here. It doesn’t matter what your last name is. We don’t care. But you become a part of the family. When one hurts, everybody cares, and that’s a good thing.”

The members are so proud to be a part of the church they decided to declare it on T-shirts.

“A small church with a big spirit,” Grant said of the message on the shirts. “That’s who we are.”

Members’ ages range from nine months to 93 years, and Grant said it’s great to see a variety of generations of families involved.

“Grandmas are still bringing their grandkids, which is a big deal in this church,” he said. “They’ve done it for years. Unfortunately, not every generation sees the need, but grandma does. You’ve got to have that person that makes it their passion, and they not only bring (their grandkids), but they teach them.”

There are even some people who don’t attend the church but come there for the Bible study. Plus, vacation Bible school and trunk or treat draw a variety of people to the church.

“It’s another door you open, and they feel just as welcome as if they are a part,” Grant said. “Those are important things.”

The members are determined to keep the church going strong for years to come.

“We have new little ones coming in, and so we hope it will keep on going. So far, it has always maintained,” Gay said.

“It will take the next generation, that’s for sure,” church member Dianna Wells said.

While the church will experience change in the future, the foundational principles won’t.

“The decisions we make today, like the decisions those people made in the past, will determine who’s going to be here in the future,” Grant said. “That’s the essence of what sustainability is. We’re trying to look and do things and so forth, but we’re not compromising our basic beliefs. We’re open to different ways to open doors.”

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What: 125th anniversary celebration

When: Sunday

Where: Surprise Christian Church, 6382 N. County Road 100W, 10 miles west of Seymour

Schedule: 9:30 a.m., Sunday school; 10:30 a.m., worship in the sanctuary with Melissa Harper bringing special music and Pastor Rick Grant bringing the message; 11:45 a.m., potluck dinner in the fellowship hall; 1 p.m., special music program by Melissa Ann Out of the Box in the fellowship hall

Information: Contact Pastor Rick Grant at 812-216-4180, “like” Surprise Christian Church on Facebook or visit surprisechristian.org

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