PUTNAM — A small, faithful group gathered in the new house of worship they had built in the small community of Putnam 150 years ago. Services began in January 1866, and although it was undoubtedly frigid during construction, the church provided them inner warmth and the services within Putnam Christian Church have continued to this day.

On Sunday, June 12, Pastor Terry Broady will lead a celebration of the many dedicated followers who have supported this rural parish.

“The people who built this church built it through the winter; they were very hardy souls,” Broady said.

The Putnam Christian Church can trace its beginnings back to the first settlers of Senachwine Township. The congregation was spread throughout the area and distance. Poor roads and weather, along with the irregularity of services, social conflicts and a lack of leadership, prompted a division in 1859.

Until a church was built, services were held in the homes of members. A board of trustees was formed and they were bequeathed $1,500 for the expense of building a meeting house. With these funds and additional donations, they began construction in 1865.

The site for the new church was purchased for $75. Work progressed quickly and the first services were held on the second Sunday in January 1866. Heat was provided by two stoves on each side of the main room, and Bibles were read by the glow of kerosene lamps.

The first paid pastor of the congregation was Elder George W. Mapes. The first Christmas program was held on Christmas Eve in 1871. The first Sunday School picnic was held at Lake Senachwine in August of 1876.

Extensive remodeling and several additions have taken place over the years and each has helped provide for the needs of the closely-knit community. In 1899, an addition provided room for the Sunday School classes, along with a kitchen and dining area. The annual church bazaar soon began and served to draw people together from many surrounding communities. Electric lights arrived in 1928, and in 1964 natural gas was piped to Putnam and, with the addition of a new gas furnace, the building was evenly heated for the first time. There have also been many other additions and improvements to the little church.

Broady has been the pastor for the past 11 years and says the community and congregation suit him well.

“The congregation is laid back and I’m very laid back so we work well together. We have a lot of retired people and it’s a relaxed place. When I started here I was told life is too short to not have dessert first, so we still begin with dessert when we start fellowship after services,” Broady said.

Broady and the congregation have a special day planned for their anniversary. Pastor Dan Cameron will return to Putnam to preach and there will be special music, food, a barbershop quartet, tents on the lawn and a luncheon.

When asked what challenges the small community of less than a hundred people face, Broady was quick to answer.

“The dying of the community. In any small community, when the schools leave, that’s the like the final nail. We welcome anyone to come to our services and to meet our church family. That’s important, to find a family that fits what you believe. Our area churches are all very friendly to each other, we work together and we encourage people to find the family that they feel most comfortable with. We have parishioners from many different communities,” Broady said.

Broady also shared his hopes for the future when he said, “We’d love to have more youth, there are very few in town. We have many energetic, older people though, who, after spending their lives working and caring for their families, now have the time for their church service; it’s wonderful to see. It’s important for people to be involved, to be connected to their community.”

For more information, call the Putnam Christian Church at 815-437-2292.