our story
From 1817 to Today
Central Christian Church is a historic church celebrating over 200 years of ministry located in the heart of downtown Danbury.
Originally known as Church of Christ (Disciples), Central Christian Church was founded in 1817 by two families - the Osborne and Wildeman’s. Having originally met in the Osborne family home, our building on West Street is Central Christian's fourth meeting location. Previously located on Liberty Street, the church grew and thrived. Sadly, in February of 1934 - as the youth began to gather for their 6pm Sunday Service - the church caught fire and burned to the ground. After two years of hard work and prayer, our current building at 71 West Street was dedicated. But the past is still present as the original cornerstone of the Liberty Street church lies within it's walls.
Central Christian Church is one of three founding churches in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) movement which included the Brush Run Church in Washington County, Pennsylvania, The New York City Church (now known as Park Avenue Christian Church) and Central Christian.
In 1944, Central Christian became aligned with a second denomination - the American Baptist Church - after a local Baptist church disbanded and its 96 members formally united with Central Christian.
We have a storied legacy of a vibrant ministry here at Central. Many strong lay leaders and devoted members are responsible for this church’s proud past. Throughout its history, Central Christian Church has focused on Evangelism, world outreach through missionaries, education, social action, and youth - all of which continue today.
Central Christian is proud of its vibrant and impactful history, but now, we are looking forward to our bright future. Following our bicentennial celebration, the church made the conscious decision to discern where God is leading us as a church. We look forward to a revived spirit sharing God's love and embodying Christ's teachings. We hope you will join us as we move forward together.
Originally known as Church of Christ (Disciples), Central Christian Church was founded in 1817 by two families - the Osborne and Wildeman’s. Having originally met in the Osborne family home, our building on West Street is Central Christian's fourth meeting location. Previously located on Liberty Street, the church grew and thrived. Sadly, in February of 1934 - as the youth began to gather for their 6pm Sunday Service - the church caught fire and burned to the ground. After two years of hard work and prayer, our current building at 71 West Street was dedicated. But the past is still present as the original cornerstone of the Liberty Street church lies within it's walls.
Central Christian Church is one of three founding churches in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) movement which included the Brush Run Church in Washington County, Pennsylvania, The New York City Church (now known as Park Avenue Christian Church) and Central Christian.
In 1944, Central Christian became aligned with a second denomination - the American Baptist Church - after a local Baptist church disbanded and its 96 members formally united with Central Christian.
We have a storied legacy of a vibrant ministry here at Central. Many strong lay leaders and devoted members are responsible for this church’s proud past. Throughout its history, Central Christian Church has focused on Evangelism, world outreach through missionaries, education, social action, and youth - all of which continue today.
Central Christian is proud of its vibrant and impactful history, but now, we are looking forward to our bright future. Following our bicentennial celebration, the church made the conscious decision to discern where God is leading us as a church. We look forward to a revived spirit sharing God's love and embodying Christ's teachings. We hope you will join us as we move forward together.
