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Our History
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The Merced Church of Christ has been part of the local community for over 80 years. It all began in the spring of 1937, when a few faithful Christian families started meeting in Hann’s Funeral Home. With the leadership of Brother T.M. Craig and Brother J.E. Wainwright, the congregation was officially established that same year.
As the church grew, the congregation moved to the Sun Room—and later the Auditorium—of the Merced Woman’s Clubhouse. During this time, Brother Craig continued to preach while Brother Erskin Garrison from Chowchilla led the singing. There was just one Bible class then, taught by Brother J.W. Romine.
By 1945, the congregation transitioned to the Bear Creek Grange Hall. For three years, Brother Mansur traveled from Oakland every weekend, taking the bus on Saturdays and staying overnight with local members to share the Word of God on Sundays.
A major milestone came when land was donated on 22nd Street by Mr. and Mrs. Henry King, Lota Mae Motherwell, and Jim King’s parents. With Brother Mansur’s support, the church built both a preacher’s home and its first permanent building in 1948. Ross McGinnis became the first officially hired preacher, while Brother Mansur continued serving, especially through song leading.
In 1952, the church welcomed Brother Clint Lovelady as its new preacher. He encouraged the congregation to seek a more visible and accessible location. The church responded with faith and unity, purchasing six lots at Yosemite Parkway and Edwards Street for $6,500. Incredibly, a single Sunday contribution raised $4,310 toward the purchase. The rest was borrowed and later repaid after selling the 22nd Street property.
The new church building became a labor of love. Members—along with supportive friends from the community—helped with construction after work and on weekends, often sharing potluck meals at the end of each day. The building was completed in 1953 and remains in use today. Originally designed to seat about 600 people, the auditorium was later adjusted to 400 seats with the addition of a nursery. The building also included three classrooms upstairs, six downstairs, a baptistry, kitchen, and fellowship hall. A dedication service was held on Easter Sunday with a packed auditorium—so full that extra chairs had to be brought in. Brother Lovelady presented the lesson that day.
As the congregation grew, the facility continued to expand. During Brother Lovelady’s time, four outside classrooms were added to the west wing. Under Brother Floyd Mitten’s leadership, a connecting hallway, elders’ office, and additional rooms were constructed. The east wing brought even more improvements, including an enlarged fellowship hall, new classrooms, and updated restrooms. In 1978, the church purchased a parking lot across the street for $30,000, later investing an additional $26,000 to develop it.
In 1993, members began donating books to help establish a church library. By early 1994, the collection had grown to over 700 titles. The library was dedicated to Brother Andy Anderson, and a plaque honoring him still hangs on the door.
Of course, the heart of the Merced Church of Christ is not found in buildings, but in people—God’s family. Over the decades, thousands have come together here to worship, grow in faith, and serve others. Children and grandchildren of the original 17 charter members still share memories of those early days. Among them were Brother T.M. Craig, Brother Erskin and Sister Ruby Garrison and their family, Brother Curt and Sister Lela O’Hagen and their family, Brother J.E. Wainwright, the Stafford family, Sister Hanley, and Brother Haskel and Sister Flora Bell Conover.
Brother Erskin Garrison played a pivotal role during those early years, serving as both song leader and Bible teacher. His legacy continued through his children and grandchildren, many of whom also became gospel preachers. While our bulletins do not tell the whole story, they record at least 435 baptisms and 481 people who placed membership through the years. Many have since gone on to their reward, and we look forward to a joyful reunion one day.
One unique chapter in our story comes from Castle Air Force Base. For many years, it brought faithful Christians to Merced. These men and women often placed membership soon after arriving and became active in the church, leaving a lasting mark on our congregation.
From the very beginning, the Merced Church of Christ has strived to be scripturally organized with elders overseeing the work. Although early records are incomplete, member recollections and church bulletins preserve the names of many who have served in this vital role. These men—past and present—have guided the church through seasons of growth and change with love and wisdom.
Many faithful preachers have also shared God’s Word from our pulpit over the years, dedicating their time and hearts to teaching the truth. Our current preacher, Jim Holland, continues that legacy today.
Through every season and milestone, our mission remains the same: to serve God faithfully, to encourage one another in love, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our community.
As the church grew, the congregation moved to the Sun Room—and later the Auditorium—of the Merced Woman’s Clubhouse. During this time, Brother Craig continued to preach while Brother Erskin Garrison from Chowchilla led the singing. There was just one Bible class then, taught by Brother J.W. Romine.
By 1945, the congregation transitioned to the Bear Creek Grange Hall. For three years, Brother Mansur traveled from Oakland every weekend, taking the bus on Saturdays and staying overnight with local members to share the Word of God on Sundays.
A major milestone came when land was donated on 22nd Street by Mr. and Mrs. Henry King, Lota Mae Motherwell, and Jim King’s parents. With Brother Mansur’s support, the church built both a preacher’s home and its first permanent building in 1948. Ross McGinnis became the first officially hired preacher, while Brother Mansur continued serving, especially through song leading.
In 1952, the church welcomed Brother Clint Lovelady as its new preacher. He encouraged the congregation to seek a more visible and accessible location. The church responded with faith and unity, purchasing six lots at Yosemite Parkway and Edwards Street for $6,500. Incredibly, a single Sunday contribution raised $4,310 toward the purchase. The rest was borrowed and later repaid after selling the 22nd Street property.
The new church building became a labor of love. Members—along with supportive friends from the community—helped with construction after work and on weekends, often sharing potluck meals at the end of each day. The building was completed in 1953 and remains in use today. Originally designed to seat about 600 people, the auditorium was later adjusted to 400 seats with the addition of a nursery. The building also included three classrooms upstairs, six downstairs, a baptistry, kitchen, and fellowship hall. A dedication service was held on Easter Sunday with a packed auditorium—so full that extra chairs had to be brought in. Brother Lovelady presented the lesson that day.
As the congregation grew, the facility continued to expand. During Brother Lovelady’s time, four outside classrooms were added to the west wing. Under Brother Floyd Mitten’s leadership, a connecting hallway, elders’ office, and additional rooms were constructed. The east wing brought even more improvements, including an enlarged fellowship hall, new classrooms, and updated restrooms. In 1978, the church purchased a parking lot across the street for $30,000, later investing an additional $26,000 to develop it.
In 1993, members began donating books to help establish a church library. By early 1994, the collection had grown to over 700 titles. The library was dedicated to Brother Andy Anderson, and a plaque honoring him still hangs on the door.
Of course, the heart of the Merced Church of Christ is not found in buildings, but in people—God’s family. Over the decades, thousands have come together here to worship, grow in faith, and serve others. Children and grandchildren of the original 17 charter members still share memories of those early days. Among them were Brother T.M. Craig, Brother Erskin and Sister Ruby Garrison and their family, Brother Curt and Sister Lela O’Hagen and their family, Brother J.E. Wainwright, the Stafford family, Sister Hanley, and Brother Haskel and Sister Flora Bell Conover.
Brother Erskin Garrison played a pivotal role during those early years, serving as both song leader and Bible teacher. His legacy continued through his children and grandchildren, many of whom also became gospel preachers. While our bulletins do not tell the whole story, they record at least 435 baptisms and 481 people who placed membership through the years. Many have since gone on to their reward, and we look forward to a joyful reunion one day.
One unique chapter in our story comes from Castle Air Force Base. For many years, it brought faithful Christians to Merced. These men and women often placed membership soon after arriving and became active in the church, leaving a lasting mark on our congregation.
From the very beginning, the Merced Church of Christ has strived to be scripturally organized with elders overseeing the work. Although early records are incomplete, member recollections and church bulletins preserve the names of many who have served in this vital role. These men—past and present—have guided the church through seasons of growth and change with love and wisdom.
Many faithful preachers have also shared God’s Word from our pulpit over the years, dedicating their time and hearts to teaching the truth. Our current preacher, Jim Holland, continues that legacy today.
Through every season and milestone, our mission remains the same: to serve God faithfully, to encourage one another in love, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our community.