A brief history of Xenia Church of Christ would begin when it was established in 1942 by five families living in the Xenia area that had been attending church in Springfield, about 15 miles north. Due to gasoline rationing during World War II, these families needed a meeting place closer to home. Together, they bought a small house at 870 South Detroit St. in Xenia and began worshiping there. Like all who lived during the war, times were tough. That reality did not prevent the church from meeting. With God's help, they made it work and the fledgling Xenia Church of Christ took off.
For the remainder of the war and throughout the 1950s, the original building was an ideal location. However, during the 1960s and early 1970s the church eventually needed a bigger facility. After the tornado of April 3, 1974, an opportunity arose and a new church building was built. The new building would be located at 444 Country Club Dr. From the time we moved into the new building until now, the church has steadily grown, attracting new families and individuals with godly teaching and a variety of ministries. One of the primary sources of new members are military families from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in neighboring Fairborn, Ohio.
In 2005, a major renovation updated much of the decor and equipment of the building. Our auditorium received new carpeting, curtains, paint, lighting fixtures, moveable chairs, a multi-track sound system, projection system, and a nine-foot hand-carved, free-standing cross that adorns the stage. It is the focal point of the room, as it should be since the cross of Christ is the main icon of the Christian faith. Other areas of the building also received new carpet and paint.
The history of a church is not only about the buildings in which it meets. History, especially that of a church, is made by its members living their lives and impacting the world around them. Xenia Church of Christ has made an impact on people through evangelistic efforts and benevolence. Whether through Bible studies, worship assemblies, providing food and clothing, or other efforts, we will continue to live our faith by loving God and loving people.