| A Brief History of Chattahoochee (Johns Creek) Christian Church |
| The story of Chattahoochee Christian Church begins in a failed first attempt to establish a new congregation in an area in North Fulton County known as John’s Creek. With the promise of free land provided by John’s Creek Technology Park, the Regional Church in Georgia established a Pastoral Advisory Committee (PAC) and called a pastor/developer to come and give leadership to the new congregation. In less than a year, the project seemed doomed as the promise of free land was rescinded and the organizing pastor resigned. Aspiring dreams lay crushed. |
| Dr. Jim Collins, senior minister of the Peachtree Christian Church, inspired his congregation to accept the challenge of helping to restore the dream to establish a church. Working with the PAC committee, the congregation provided the necessary support to secure a site where people could gather to worship. A small white frame country church, Warsaw Methodist Church, was rented from the John’s Creek United Methodist Church. Services on Sunday evenings began in September of 1997. In November 1997, Dr. Jack L. Snellgrove, Senior Minister of the First Christian Church in Lafayette, Indiana, answered the call to come as pastor/developer. As a member of the ministerial staff of Peachtree Christian Church, he would give primary leadership to establishing the new congregation. Dr. Snellgrove’s first Sunday was February 1, 1998. |
Warsaw Methodist Church
| Throughout February and March, worship was held on Sunday evenings. A small core group met faithfully and was supported by visiting friends from Peachtree Christian Church and other Christian Churches in the area. On Easter Sunday, April 12, morning worship began. Ninety-two persons attended the two scheduled services. Pentecost Sunday (May 31, 1998) was Charter Sunday, as thirty-four people responded to the invitation to become members or associate members. Sixteen children also signed the charter. |
| The search for property began in earnest in the summer of 1998. In February 1999, an agreement was reached with Mrs. Estelle Neece and Mr. Charles Embry to purchase their adjoining properties on Bell Road pending the necessary rezoning for a church. In November 1999, rezoning having been attained, the two tracts of land each 5.8 acres in size were acquired from Mrs. Neece ($440,000) and Mr. Embry ($220,000). At closing, the congregation provided $200,000 cash, and financed the balance through a loan from the Board of Church Extension (BCE). In January 2000 the church’s administrative offices were moved into the house located on the Neece property. |
| The pending sale of the Warsaw Church property and a growing congregation forced a move in August 1999 to the Big Creek Elementary School. On August 15, 1999, the last Sunday in the Warsaw Church, the charter was closed with one-hundred (100) members/associate members. |
| From August 1999 until April 8, 2001, the congregation met for worship in the elementary school. Through the week ministries and fellowship occasions were held at the Bell Road site. |
| Weary from the Sunday setup needed each week at the school and very much aware of the need to establish a community presence in the area of the church’s property, the congregation voted in January 2001 to transform the existing house on the property into a place for worship and Christian Education. Under the direction of Glenn Sims and Kit Kemper, the members, along with professional help, transformed the house into a facility suitable for worship and education. On Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001, worship was held on site with 163 in attendance! |
| Mr. Joe Gardner, a member of the Peachtree Christian Church and an architect, had designed the building for the John’s Creek Christian Church. He and Molly, his wife, maintained their interest and support in the new Chattahoochee congregation. Joe led the congregation through crucial visioning experiences as the congregation assessed community needs. As soon as the Bell Road property was attained, Joe worked to design a functional building to enable ministry. A guiding principle was to provide a spiritual journey to sacred space. The design process resulted in a beautifully landscaped site and a facility that would accommodate a worshipping congregation of 300 people, an entry area, nursery and toddler rooms, a sacristy, and restrooms. In addition, an upstairs area would be left unfinished. When resources are available, this area will provide additional educational space. The cost of this project amounts to over $1,200,000. A groundbreaking service was held on September 10, 2001, and the first worship service was held in the new building on March 10, 2002. |
Initial Design Concept - An Internal View
Initial Design Concept - An External View
| From the beginning, people have made Chattahoochee Christian Church special. Ministers in the area volunteered to lead in the early Sunday evening worship services. Dr. Janice Hume provided invaluable leadership prior to the calling of Dr. Snellgrove. |
| Lana Snellgrove was the first Church Administrative Assistant. Other Administrative Assistants include June Durham and Penny Kies. Kathie Howell presently serves in this position. |
| Kathryn Vickers served as the first Youth and Children Summer Intern in 1998. Mike Williams served as Youth Minister from September 2000 through May 2001. In this same period the ministry of evangelism expanded as Robert (Bob) Greenway ministered as a student intern from Emory’s Candler Theological Seminary. LaTonya Whitaker came in September 2001 and currently serves as Children and Youth Minister. |
| Joe Macrovich provided musical accompaniment in the early months of worship. Lydia Culpepper served from March 1998 through August 2000, as accompanist. David Bryan followed as instrumentalist until March 2001. Mirela Dragan began Easter Sunday 2001, and remains as the very capable musician leading us in music. Cheri Lawson Frost graciously volunteered to serve as the leader of the Lovers of Music choral group in 1998. This ministry has matured into the present Adult Choir. She also leads the children in music. |
Our Vision - A Reality
| The journey from failed first start to a growing energetic congregation has not occurred accidentally. Like the Hebrews called out of slavery in Egypt to embark into the wilderness to grow God’s people, Chattahoochee Christian Church prayerfully seeks the direction of God’s Holy Spirit. The building being dedicated today stands as a testimony to God’s grace and goodness and is the first of several buildings remaining to be built. The inspiring love of Jesus Christ invites people of all ages to come and gather around the Lord’s Table and celebrate the presence of Christ. To this end the members and friends of Chattahoochee Christian Church offer this land and these buildings to the glory of God. |
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