Original Church
(Where the Augusta Methodist Church stands
across from Augusta Elementary)

David Beery
Original Elder

Dr. J. W. Shull
Original Elder

Augusta Church of Christ
(1900-1989)

Completed New Building
1989

Construction of new education/activity center
1996

Augusta Church of Christ today

In the 1800's Alexander Campbell, one of the leaders in the Christian Restoration Movement, traveled throughout much of the eastern part of West Virginia preaching at all day camp meetings.  It was during this time that some of the residents of Augusta heard of him at Sandy Ridge (north of Hanging Rock).  Following these all day meetings, the Augusta residents began the process of organizing many of the Church of Christ/Christian churches in Hampshire County.  The Augusta Church of Christ was formed May 30, 1880.  There were 15 members with David Beery and J. W. Shull as Elders, and William J. Stewart as Deacon.  Many of the original member's descendants still worship in our congregation today. 

In the beginning, the congregation met in the Augusta Elementary School for weekly worship and devotional services.  During the Spanish-American War, this building burned and afterward they worshipped in the Union Church which stood across the road from the school at the site of the present day Augusta Graveyard.  The Union Church had been brought from the end of Short Mountain, being transported by twenty horses on long rollers.  It was used by the Baptists, Brethren, Methodists, and Christians.  All having helped in the move agreed that it should be used equally by all assemblies. 

In 1900, the congregation built a new structure right across the road (right next to the present day Augusta Elementary) and the Union Church building was no longer used.  This new building was remodeled several times over the years.  A basement was added; an addition on the east side; inside restrooms; the basement had dividing walls built to make separate classrooms; in 1974 the entire building was renovated and the worship hall was reversed and a baptistery was added.

It was on April 26, 1987, that a congregational vote was held to determine if we needed to build a new building.  The vote was 85% for a new building on the 7+ acres the church owned a little more than 1 1/2 miles east of the building built in 1900.  In May of that year, committees were formed to study what would be involved in the construction of a new building. 

On December 6, 1987 a congregational meeting was held in the Augusta Elementary School.  This was a covered dish supper and a time to present the proposed plans and estimated cost of this undertaking; and for members to ask questions about the project.  On May 15, 1988, the ground breaking service was held on the site.  By the end of the summer, construction was well under way.  On May 7, 1989, the Dedication Service was held for the new worship hall and education building. 

On March 3, 1996, the congregation held a ground breaking ceremony for the new education/activity center, now known as the gymnasium.  By the fall of 1996, the building was completed and ready for use.

On April 29, 2001, it was decided to build a 40' x 40' addition to the east of the building.  This addition is now known as the Children's Church or Heaven Bound Room.

To this day several generations of families still attend Augusta Church of Christ.