History

      On Sunday, September 14, 1839, the Ingraham Christian church (known than as the Church of Christ in the Forks of Muddy) was organized by William Ingraham, William Read, and John Rogers at the home of Mr. Rogers under his pear tree. 

     The congregation worshipped in Mr. Ingraham's house and barn until 1844. A log school house was built and used on Indian Camp point. In 1847 a log house was built and used as both church and school. The third church building was a small brick building erected in 1852 on the present church property. A wooden structure was built in 1872 and then a west room was added in 1896. The new modern brick building was built in 1970 and then a fellowship hall was added in 1980. In 2006, a new 85' X 80' addition was built on which includes a gym, stage, kitchen, rest rooms, exercise room, and classrooms at a costs of $403,000.

     According to the record books, some 1,900 people have become a part of the Lord's church meeting at Ingraham through the years.  Several preachers, preacher's wives, missionaries, and various other Christian specialized servants have come from this congregation. In years gone by, some fifteen congregations were begun under the leadership of this body of believers. In the past 15 years, the congregation has given over $1,806,000 to kingdom work with over $245,000 given to missions.  In the past 45 years, 17 young people have gone to Bible College.  The congregation has helped pay on two Lincoln Christian College and one St Louis Christian College preacher boys' tuition through the Ingraham Christian Church Scholarship.

     Within the houses of worship which have been the meeting place of the congregation, many hearts have been filled with joy and singing, the angels of heaven have rejoiced over souls being saved, and also many hearts broken with sadness have said good-bye for now to loved ones who have been called home. Preachers, elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and various other leaders have come and gone, but the church lives on. New Christians have come forward to fill the ranks and carry on the work of the Lord in this place. Many things have changed through the years, but the gospel message in its purity and simplicity continues to be preached and taught with continued success.

     We have never been without our faults and shortcomings. But we have tried hard to serve, grow together, do right, and break new ground in reaching each new generation for Christ.

     The Lord will one day return for His church, not the ones successful by the world's standards, but those who have been faithful to His calling. Our prayer is that He will find us, the Ingraham Church, faithful to the end.