History of First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Hartselle was formally organized in 1881 following a series of revival services conducted by Rev. C.K. Marshall.  A frame building was erected the same year on North Milner Street on land donated by A.A. Oden.  The world famous hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was written in Hartselle in 1887 by Professor A.J. Showalter, who at the time, was conducting a singing school in the church building.

The present building on East Main Street, under construction for 7 years between 1914-1921, is made of native sandstone donated by Robert Sobotka.  The stones were taken from a quarry near Tanner Heights and brought to the construction site by horse and wagon, owned by Mikie White.  Each stone was chipped, shaped and laid in place by an Afro-American stone mason, Ernest Jackson.  The present building was opened and dedicated May 14, 1922.