In the Beginning...
The Bryant Christian Church actually began as The Antioch Christian Church in June of 1854 and held its services in the home of Theophilus Hasson. Services were delivered by Elders Willis Howard and John Hopkins. In 1861 a permanent structure was built on the northwest corner of Liverpool Township outside of Bryant, Illinois on land that was donated by James C. Wilcoxen. The new building and furnishings cost about $2000.
Bryant became an industrious area with stores for dry goods, furniture and other items and there were also saw mills and coal mines in the vicinity. Therefore, in the spring of 1869, the members decided to move the church into town. This was accomplished by placing the building on rollers and using oxen to pull the structure into Bryant, about a mile and a half. The name was changed from Antioch to Bryant Christian Church.
Originally, the building had separate entries for men and women. Inside, men sat on the right, and women and children sat on the left. Heating and lighting were provided by kerosene lamps and two heating stoves.
However, with time must come change. In the early 2000's, members of the church voted to remodel. After lifting the church and setting it on supports, a new, larger basement was dug. That basement now houses a fellowship area, a kitchen, two bathrooms and two classrooms. The sanctuary was completely gutted and remodeled following the basement project. The church now has a center aisle, a new stage, a sound booth and new lighting among other improvements. Bryant Christian Church may have a new look but is still dedicated to its roots, praising God and teaching His word.
Bryant became an industrious area with stores for dry goods, furniture and other items and there were also saw mills and coal mines in the vicinity. Therefore, in the spring of 1869, the members decided to move the church into town. This was accomplished by placing the building on rollers and using oxen to pull the structure into Bryant, about a mile and a half. The name was changed from Antioch to Bryant Christian Church.
Originally, the building had separate entries for men and women. Inside, men sat on the right, and women and children sat on the left. Heating and lighting were provided by kerosene lamps and two heating stoves.
However, with time must come change. In the early 2000's, members of the church voted to remodel. After lifting the church and setting it on supports, a new, larger basement was dug. That basement now houses a fellowship area, a kitchen, two bathrooms and two classrooms. The sanctuary was completely gutted and remodeled following the basement project. The church now has a center aisle, a new stage, a sound booth and new lighting among other improvements. Bryant Christian Church may have a new look but is still dedicated to its roots, praising God and teaching His word.