We are a warm, friendly, family oriented Bible believing congregation. We care for everyone. We are located in the heart of the Town of Paw Paw on the corner of Winchester and River Street. Our Services are blended with Traditional and contemporary worship songs.

The Bible is our foundation. We emphasize the Restoration plea. "In matters of faith, the Bible, in matters of opinion, liberty and in all things Love." We are a non-denominational Christian Church. Our focus is to imitate Jesus in our lives, to love others as He does, to connect with the lost, to show compassion to all and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Our History

In the early 1890s, the residents of Paw Paw started a church called the “Disciples of Christ” where they built a meeting hall of worship on S. Amelia or Church Street (pictured here). During this time, there became divisions within the different movements called the “American Restoration Movement” where there were backlashes against the rigid creeds or denominationalism of the early 1800s. These creeds were the bases of their fundamental beliefs, confessions and/or statements of faith.

Along with many other churches through out the eastern and southern parts of the United States due to the disagreements after the Civil War, these divisions split congregations over the simplest of issues, such as returning to the New Testament faith and practices. Other issues were called into question regarding leadership, the practice of baptism, the use of instrumental music in church, and in some cases, questioning their organized missionary activities. In the late 1920’s and by 1930, the doctrinal disagreements within the “Disciples of Christ” as a whole worshiping body persisted and the decision was made within the United States to split into three different congregations: The “Church of Christ,” the “Christian Church” and the “Disciples of Christ.”

During the late 1940s or early 1950s, the congregation decided that the principles of the “Church of Christ” better supported their fundamental beliefs and their desire to stay autonomous. With the title change then calling themselves the “Church of Christ,” they found their home in the principles of Christ’s early teachings and sought to unify Christians. One of their most basic principles is to follow the teachings of the Bible, being it is considered the only source to find doctrine, known abroad as “sola scriptura.” Their method to the Bible is inspired by the knowledge that the Bible is sufficiently plain and simple enough to render its message obvious to any sincere believer.

As Paw Paw grew and the congregation expanded, industry in the area prospered and change was likely to happen. The B & O Railroad made plans to cut right through Paw Paw with two new railway lines. Many homes, families and a few businesses where displaced. Even the original “Disciples of Christ” church building had to be moved. Since they were being forced to relocate, the physical church building was moved to the new site from Church Street to 18 River Street in 1912.

With over a hundred years plus history at the “Church of Christ,” the list of Evangelists that have lead the congregation are remembered for their unyielding dedication. John Bowles, Oliver Cartwright, Michael Collins, Perry Philips, Mark Reeves, John Thomas, and John Van Voorhis (serving twice), to name a few were only some of the men that shepherded our congregation. We thank them and their families for their many years of service in Jesus holy name. And we look forward to reaching out in the future to others who will also help guide the way.

Our Ministry Team

Richard & Loretta White: Evangelist & Sweetheart

Richard and Loretta White, originally from Brooklyn, New York, came to Paw Paw back in 2002. Married forty-five years, they have been fortunate to have three sons: Richard (Hope), John (Megan), and Matt (Amber - deceased). Their lives have been blessed with six beautiful grandchildren: Elizabeth, Grace, Josiah, Leah, Simon, and Jonathan; of which they enjoy spending time with.

Richard attended Johnson University located in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was formerly know as Johnson Bible College, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Preaching. He went on to continue his education earning a Master’s Degree in Bible and Preaching also at Johnson University in 2004.

Prior to his life as an Evangelist, Richard served in the U.S. Navy from August 1975 to January 1977 as a “Cryptologist.” Upon arriving in Paw Paw, he is served as and retired as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with our local fire house, “Company 32.” During the summers, Richard has served as a Medic and Counselor at the Cedar Creek Christian Camp for over twenty years, where he was able to spend time with the Church Camps’ children and his own grand-kids.

Richard is an avid sports fan of many different types of sports; however, his favorites are baseball and football. As for teams, his loyalty to his favorites started in his youth with the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, never wavering. He is also big supporter of our local Paw Paw Pirates basketball teams. Richard enjoys hunting, loves competition shooting, and working out.

Loretta grew up in College Point, New York. While working at Doubleday as a Billing Clerk, she met her future husband as he was working directing traffic in the busy city streets near its entrance to her work. Each day he saw Loretta, her beautiful smile won him over. She is a blissfully happy grandma and a wonderful help-mate to her partner in life.

Loretta is a truly compassionate lady who loves to help others with daily activities and with those who are struggling through hardships. Loretta loves flowers, especially roses. She loves reading, bowling, miniature golf, and watching movies. Her favorite genre is musicals and the movies that top her list are “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” and “The Sound of Music.” Loretta’s best-loved activity is spending time with her grand children.

Bob Arnold: Song Leader

Lisa Arnold: Children Church Supervisor

Wayne Bradfield: Chairman of Men's Group & Occasional Song Leader

Doc Holiday: Sunday School Supervisor, Praise Chorus & Song Leader

Lisa Holiday: Co-Leader of Ladies Group & Pianist

Cindy Lease: Co-Leader of Ladies Group, Choir Director & Pianist

Glenda Ridgeway: Crafts Coordinator