In 1913 a group of eight believers organized in the one room, Harry School. By 1914 the membership had grown to eighty-four and they soon constructed and occupied a small building in the thriving community known as New Midway in May of 1915. Well positioned on the highly traveled Route 52, the location would later and locally be known as the Old Bramwell Road. Claiming no denominational ties, the group adopted the name of the New Midway Christian Church and was established on the principles of the Stone-Campbell Movement who sought to restore churches to the ancient order of those established by the Apostles in 33 AD. While closely associated with the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ instrumental, the Midway congregation is self-governing “with no headquarters but Heaven.”

 

The original congregation was lead in part by preacher William M. Snead and his great-grandson, Dan Webb, now serves as one of its ministers most actively involved with preaching, teaching, and counseling responsibilities. The church built an educational and fellowship hall addition in 1954 and later constructed a larger and more ornate worship facility in 1964, replacing the original structure.

 

In May of 2005 the congregation of the Midway Church of Christ purchased seven and one half acres of land on Route 460 for the purpose of future expansion. One Spring Sunday evening a healthy number of congregants met to look over the land and thank God for the resources to make the purchase. On that evening we turned to see the vacant Brass Lantern property and a new idea emerged. An existent and large building with utilities and parking already in place was attractive to the leadership. The structure had been home to four different restaurants and bars since the late 1970’s and had been vacant for nearly a decade. After contacting the owner, negotiations with the seller and First Century Bank soon resulted in the acquisition of the restaurant property.

 

For nearly three years dedicated members of the congregation worked with hired contractors in extensive renovations resulting in a 7300 square foot facility to be used for fellowship gatherings, meals and a variety of classrooms. A large nursery complex of multiple rooms to accommodate the various stages from infant to toddler and large restrooms were added for the anticipated growth in the new location.