Our Mission:
To Glorify God!
Our History:
Ozark Christian Church (OCC), Ozark, Missouri, was founded on May 5, 1840, with eight charter members, and is believed to be one of the oldest congregations in Christian County. In fact, it was founded before Christian County existed, when the Township of Ozark was still part of southern Greene County.
There appears on the charter the name Joel Hayden. It is interesting that Joel Hayden was a student of Barton Stone, one of the founders of the Stone-Campbell Movement – the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -, of which OCC is a part. Hayden was the first Campbellite minister to serve in the Springfield area and founded the First Christian Church there, as well as Ozark Christian Church.
The life of OCC was disrupted during the Civil War about the time of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Records indicate the congregation was reorganized September 10, 1864, with twenty-three members.
For 185 years Ozark Christian Church has been a caring member of the community and a vital part of the Church universal. Ministering to those in need through a variety of local relief agencies, contributing regularly to denominational relief efforts and founding Operation Half Pint, the congregation has always placed a priority on outreach as a major impetus of ministry.
In 2005, the congregation made their first move in ninety-five years. With God’s help the old church off the town square was sold to a private investor and is currently vacant after being home to The Finley restaurant. We were able to purchase the existing facilities from another local congregation, providing adequate space and facilities in which to minister and grow.
OCC is committed to the spiritual development and well-being of all of our members and provides a friendly and welcoming community in which to grow your faith. We hope you always feel at home here.
Love God
Love People