Haltom City Church of Christ began as a local congregation early in 1958 after a few families and two elders broke away from the Birdville church of Christ over doctrinal issues. The new congregation rented a small log building, used by the Boy Scouts, directly behind the commercial buildings in the 5600 block of East Belknap Street.
H. O. Foster, a member of the Calmont congregation, who maintained a full-time job, agreed to preach for the Haltom City church.
When plans were announced to construct a freeway, which would run south of Belknap and bisect Carson Street, the congregation purchased a lot facing the new Highway 121. Members secured a loan and bought an army barracks, moving it onto the lot, and finishing it in red brick. The inside was renovated to include an auditorium, baptistry, and classrooms. A nursery and restrooms were also added.
Preachers during the early years, working part-time, were Richard Donley and Bob Hedgpeth. The first full-time preacher, Rodney Miller of Florida, came in the mid-1960s, followed by David Lewis and Al Watkins.
Attendance in the small auditorium eventually surpassed 100, and a larger meeting space was needed. Shortly after Robert Gabhart arrived from Kentucky, members in the early 1970s planned a new auditorium capable of seating over 200 people. It was attached to the east end of the first building, creating an "L" shape. Two classrooms were also added.
By 1982, the building was extremely full on Sunday mornings and loosely full on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. A group of youger families planned a congregation quite a distance to the north and left to create the North Beach Street church.
What To Expect When You Visit With Us
Many people are hesitant to attend worship services at an unfamiliar church. To help alleviate any apprehensions you may have regarding this congregation, we would like to explain what you can expect when you visit with us at the Haltom City Church of Christ.
Courtesy And Kindness
First of all, you will find no exclusive pews for any person. All are greeted with equal courtesy and kindness (Acts 10:34-35; Gal. 3:28). You will find no tendancy toward entertainment with beautiful organ or piano music. Like the first century Christians, we will engage in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). The words used in our songs will be easy to understand (1 Corinthians 14:15). God has commanded the sincere praise of His people to come from the heart (Colossians 3:16).
Order And Reverence
You will not be confused by many people speaking or praying at the same time. Good order will prevail at every service (1 Corinthians 14:33). You will observe one of the bretheren leading the congregation reverently and quietly in prayer (1 Timothy 2 1-5). If you are present on Sunday, the Lord's day, you will observe the congregation eating bread and drinking the fruit of the vine in memory of the death of Christ (Matthew 26:26-29). We do this on the first day of every week, like the Christians in the first century (Acts 20:7). You will not find special collections taken at every service. A collection is taken only on the Lord's day (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). This congregation is supported by the free will offerings of its members. We do not ask non-members to financially support our work, nor do we engage in fund raising activities like rummage sales and bingo games. We specialize in being a church, and do not compete with places of amusement.
The Bible Is Our Only Guide
You will observe that the Bible is the textbook to which reference is repeatedly
made in our classes and sermons. Special emphasis is placed on that part of the
Bible known as the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Rom. 1:16). You will never be
asked to accept what some man says about the Bible; we want you to read the Bible
for yourself to see "whether those things are so" (Acts 17:11). The audience will
not be embarrassed or singled out for any sort of demonstration or testimony. You
can quietly observe and study that which you see and hear (1 Corinthians
14:40).
Salvation In Christ
You will hear obedience to the will of Christ emphasized as necessary to salvation: faith in Christ as taught in the gospel (Romans 10:17); repentance (Luke 24:47); confession of faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10); and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). If there should be a response from someone in the audience to the appeal mentioned above, you will see them taken to a pool of water where, in simple likeness to the burial of Christ, they will be buried in water and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). You will be more than welcome at all of our services. Please come and bring your Bible to "search the Scriptures" with us. If you do not have a Bible, we will be happy to give you one.
Preachers following 1982 were Tim Wells, Larry Fain, Ken Friel, Ron Cox, and Terry Parvin. The latter is the current minister.
Haltom City remains a small, Biblically sound congregation, teaching and ministering to south Haltom City. Though many of our members are past middle age, we are young in spirit. This is most apparent when we raise our voices to God in song, especially during our second Sunday evening singings.
We are blessed with men who are accomplished in teaching, preaching, and song leading.
In addition to supporting a local preacher, we are involved in spreading the gospel in Zimbabwe, Africa.
At present, we are planning a relocation to a new building which better fits our needs. This move is in the early stages, as we are in the process of selling our current facilities.
We cordially invite you to visit our services. You will find a warm welcome from the members at Haltom City.