OUR CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY
The church of Christ was established in Altus in 1893, largely due to the efforts of a brother Holt. The little band of saints met in a school house until a frame building was erected at Elm and Hudson in 1900. This first building was moved to another location and a brick building constructed in 1926. This building was remodeled and enlarged in 1950.
By 1955, this building was overflowing. Property was purchased at 220 N Park Lane to start a second congregation. A building on that sight was completed in 1956. Beginning with 154 members, it grew and needed a larger building in 1962. After careful and prayerful deliberation, the property at 1211 N Thomas Street was purchased and a new building was erected. On March 1, 1964, the 373 members moved into the new building. In January 2000, the Family Life Center was built for fellowship, a new kitchen area, classrooms, and a family room. In December 2004, the auditorium was remodeled - a new ceiling, lighting, carpet, the area behind the pulpit was remodeled, all the walls were painted, and the pews were rearranged. On December 7, 2005, all of the main building burned to the ground. The Family Life Center was spared except for minor damage.
The nine acres which was purchased on Tamarack Road in north Altus just east of the Best Western was sold in 2004. Part of the money was used for the remodeling of our auditorium.
Land has been purchased on 1000 East Tamarack Road to rebuild. Projected plans for completion will be November, 2007. We will then be called the Tamarack Road Church of Christ.
Some of the preachers that have worked with the brethren through the years are John Cannon (1956-1960), Dale Pittman (1960-1961), Joe Laird (1961-1967), Richard Williams (1967-1971), Mardell Lynch (1971-1975), Stan Bratcher (1975-1986), Dean Bryce (1982-1986), Jim Eckman (1987-1989), Jack Cummings (1990 - 1993), Jack McKeown (1994 - 1999), Hans Oehlert (2000-2004), David Lovejoy (2004-2006), and Matt Springfield (2006-).
At present (June 2008), the congregation is served by 5 elders and 10 deacons.