A HISTORY OF KINGSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST
as written by the late Bernice Real
In the year 1946, a group of Church of Christ members in the Byrd community decided to try to build a new church building near the Kingsville Cemetery in Lamar County (AL). When the leaders decided to move ahead with their plans, they inquired about how to obtain a deed. It was learned that on November 18; 1924, Mr. & Mrs. J.O. King deeded land for the cemetery and one and one-half acres for a church building, "for and in consideration of our love and friendship to the people and community." In July 1947 Mr. M.W. King, son of J.O. King, prepared a new deed making this church property belong to Kingsville Church of Christ. There was an old dilapidated building on the site which was torn down. It was determined that fifteen hundred dollars would be necessary to build a one-room building. Some donations were made to the building fund by other christian friends in the community. A small, wooden building was completed, and worship services were first held in this building in 1947.
During the time the building was being built, we attended services at another building. Fortunately, Brother Leeburn Mann became aware of our efforts to establish a church. He held a revival and baptized four or five. Early members of the church were Elton & Ruby (Lewis) Karr and daughter Willie Lou, Bessie Thompson, John Real, Bernice Real, J.M. & Geraldine Real & daughters Rebe & Bobbie, Annie King & children Mavoline & R.J., Cecil & Agile Cook, Rosie Sanderson & daughter Ollie. Shortly after we started worshipping, Mr. & Mrs. Curt Rye moved back to the community. They kept four of their grandchildren who also attended the church.
In 1971, it was decided that we had outgrown our one-room building so it was sold and moved. Our new building had an auditorium, two classrooms, and a baptistry. On September 23, 1972, we met in the new building. Several families that had left our area going up north decided to return to our community. Fortunately, Lewis & Maaudine Karr and their children Debbie, Lynn, & Cindy joined us & were soon followed by their oldest daughter Marilyn & husband Wayne Warner. It wasn't long before John & Ruby Cooper started worshipping during the weekend and thankfully soon sold their home in Decatur (AL) and moved to their home on the Luster Place.
Kingsville Church has had many able preachers. Brother Cliff Mills from the Hamilton (AL) congregation did much to encourage the Kingsville members. Other ministers who preached for, supported, and encouraged us were Brothers W.A. Holley, Edsel Burleson, Jimmy Powell, & Jerry Jenkins.
Brother Elton Ritch was our first regular preacher. He was followed by Walter Voce. Brother David Brumley came in September 1968 and remained until December 1972. He was followed by his brother, Jimmy (Brumley), who came in January 1973 & remained until October 1986. Brother Alan Edgeworth came in November 1986 and stayed until July 1989. Brother Greg Brumley helped us by preaching for us until we had a regular preacher. Greg is an excellent song leader and did much to help all of us to learn to sing better.
In September 1978, another addition was made to our church building. We had one large room with sliding doors that provided us two additional classrooms. We decided that we needed a kitchen because now we had started having lunch at church every fifth Sunday.
Our congregation has contined to grow. In August 1989, we were most fortunate to have David & Jimmy Brumley & their families back to preach for us & worship with us. We hope to keep them with us for many years. At this time we realized other improvements were needed. A new baptistry was added along with renovations to the pulpit. A basement containing two large classrooms was added plus two additional classrooms upstairs. New light fixtures were put in the auditorium. The pews were made more confortable with new padding on the seats and backs.
In April 1990, our last addition was a fellowship hall. Most of the work was done by members of the congregation. Brother Wayne Warner built cabinets for our kitchen. This last addition has been used by many members for special events such as wedding receptions, bridal teas, birthdays, family get-togethers, etc. We are very proud of this building.
Brother Wayne Warner built the podium the E.H. Karr family donated in his memory.
We are proud of the progress our church has made since 1947, but we are even more proud of the love we all share with one another. We are indeed members of the Family of Christ.
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