Andover Church - Free Christian Church

The Free Christian Church was founded on May 7, 1846, by ink factory owner William Donald. It was formed by Andover residents who did not feel members of other churches in Andover were making a strong enough stand against slavery. Initially the congregation gathered in the home of Stephen Dinsmore at the corner of Chestnut and Main Street. In 1849, Smith & Dove mill owner John Smith, a founding member of the congregation, purchased the Methodist Chruch building from Main Street and had it moved to the area that is now 22 Railroad Street. The Free Christian Chruch congregation worshipped at that location until 1907 whe the current building at 31 Elm Street was ready for occupancy.

Rev. Jack L. Daniel was pastor of the Free Christian Church for 35 years, from 1977 to June, 2012. In 1977, the church had 75 members. In 2012, the church had 1,200 members.

...Free Christian Church circa 1908 from Columbia University Archives .... click to enlarge

...Free Christian Church circa 1908 from Columbia University Archives .... click to enlarge

See

• "Andover church unveils addition," Eagle Tribune, November 19, 2001, p. 1.
• "Dedicated to the Lord: New $1.7 million addition," Andover Townsman, November 21, 2001, p. 10.
• "Underground" The Townsman, July 17,02003, page 11.
• "Exodus, of sorts: Free Christian severs final UCC ties," Andover Townsman, October 7, 2004, p. 1.
• "Pastor of Free Christian Church changing course," Andover Townsman, April 19, 2012, p. 10.
• "Assistant pastor now heads Free Christian Church, Andover," Eagle Tribune, August 4, 2012, p. 5.
• Memorial Booklet of the Free Church Fire January27, 1941

For a complete list of Andover Churches see Houses of Worship in Andover

--Stephanie (talk) 13:04, 15 April 2021 (EDT) --Kim 13:22, May 24, 2013 (EDT)
--Eleanor (talk) 13:52, 26 March 2015 (EDT)

--Eleanor (talk) 15:39, 18 December 2015 (EST)

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