As early as 1920, and probably long before that, the Christian Church of Perryville began cooperating with the other churches of the community in Union services on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Many such services were held and the fellowship was rich and full among the churches.

By 1930 the need for a parsonage was being felt and a committee of three ladies was appointed to solicit funds. Due to much indecision and delay the parsonage was not dedicated until 1939. The completion of this project was largely due to the dedication of Bro. George B. Wills. In recognition of his efforts it was to be known as the “George B. Mills Parsonage.”

The records seem to indicate that Bro. George B. Mills was a big influence in guiding the church toward a cooperative program and toward participation in Kentucky State Missions. He was a graduate of the The College of the Bible and suggested that the director of field work, Dr. George W. Moore, be used as a source for securing future ministers as early as 1933.

However, it was not until 1952 that the cooperative program was fully installed. Hard times had preceded this period to be sure, and not only was the church in debt, it was in arrears on the minister's salary. But a new spirit seems to have settled upon the church and along with the installation of cooperation came success in maintaining and remodeling the building, as well as a fiscal policy which proved adequate to meet expenses.

By June 6, 1955, the official board began to see that some organization was going to be necessary in order to promote the widening program of the church. They acted by appointing a committee, chaired by Jordan Mayes, to draw up a constitution and by-laws by which the leadership of the church might be guided in their promotion of the Lord's work. On May 7, 1956, the constitution and by-laws were accepted, approved and recorded.

Preamble:

We the members of the Christian Church of Perryville, Ky., a congregationally governed body, believing that Christ is the Song of the Living God and that he was born of the virgin Mary, also believing the Bible is the Holy inspired word of God, in order to promote the work of the church in the spirit of Christ and thus advance his Kingdom, do hereby adopt this constitution.

Article I. Name and purpose

Section A. Name:

The name of this organization shall be the First Christian Church of Perryville, Kentucky, affiliated with the brotherhood known as the Disciples of Christ, and committed to the historic principles of this body whose local congregations are variously known as Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, and Disciples of Christ.

Section B. Purpose:

The purpose of this church shall be revealed in the New Testament, to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the church, to help them to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do his will and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God.

Article II. Membership:

The membership of this church shall consist of those who are identified now as members of the congregation and those who shall unite with it by being buried in baptism int Christ, or by transfer of membership. Voting privileges shall be accorded to all members who have shown an active interest through a recent continuity of attendance, service, or giving.

The Constitution also makes provisions for an official family. There are seven elective offices. (1) Chairman of the Board. (2) Vice Chairman. (3) Elders—not to exceed six. (4) Deacons—not to exceed 18. (5) Trustees not to exceed three. (6) Clerk. (7) Treasurer. These officers make up the general board which had three major duties.

It is to consider and recommend to the congregation general policies for the work and maintenance of the church. It is to transact the business of the church. It is to administer the program of the church.

In administering the program of the church the general board is authorized by the constitution to appoint the following committees to be responsible for particular areas of the works (1) Christian Education (2) Evangelism and Membership development (3) Community Service (4) Missions (5) Stewardship and Finance.

Acting in compliance with this constitution and under the direction of Bro. Sivis, the church was aroused and challenged to action. It was the organizational foundation from which could spring significant moves forward in building the Kingdom.

The first such moved occurred July 7, 1956, just two month to the day after the adoption of the constitution. George G. Webb, inspired by the Holy Spirit, stated at the meeting of the general board said that he would “move the old outside toilet, fill up the hole and sow grass seed if the church would agree to the proposition.” Jordan Mayes so moved, L. M. Mayes seconded, and the vote carried.

On August 11, 1957 the official board decided to submit to the congregation a complete remodeling program for the sanctuary of the church. The total cost was to be $7790.00. This plan was approved by the congregation and the sanctuary was remodeled as it is today.

The remodeling was finished in time for a dedication held December 1, 1957, during the ministry of G. Franklin Shumake. In this bulletin for the occasion, Bro. Shumake wrote:

This church is a co-operating member of the world-wide religious brotherhood known as the Disciples of Christ. The names of Christian Church, Church of Christ, and Disciples of Christ are often used interchangeably when referring to the local congregation. Numbering two million members and extending throughout the world, the Disciples of Christ came into existence because of the desire on the part of its founders for Christian Union; it is the largest religious movement whose origin was on American soil.

In a spirit of democratic belief and practice, this church attempts to make the Christian gospel a creative way of life, a relationship of love, a challenge of intelligence, and a journey of adventurous hope and beauty.

The remainder of the history of the Perryville Christian Church is to be told on the basis of the organization which was started under Brother Sivis. Because of the organization, the church has been able to go forward in promoting the building of the Kingdom of God.