The congregation of the church of Christ that meets at Liberty, FL was organized back in 1946. It began as a group of New Testament Christians who were determined to abide by the teachings of the New Testament. The current building was erected shortly after land was deeded to the church by brother D.L. Colvin in 1952. Members of the Lord’s church have been meeting here on the first day of the week to worship and on Wednesday evenings for Bible study ever since.
Liberty has had three “regular” preachers since the beginning: the late bro. Kerwin McKee, bro. Maxwell McKee, and bro. Harold Bigham (who has been with the church here since June 1995.) Several other men have taught classes and/or filled the pulpit over the years, including bro. J.M. McKee (the father of brothers Kerwin, Maxwell, and A.G. McKee.) Bro. Billy McKee and bro. A.G. McKee also have preached at times, and bro. Billy has taught the adult Bible class for many years.
Not to be missed, a good number of good and faithful sisters have taught children’s classes over the decades. A ladies class meets monthly.
Many gospel preachers have held gospel meetings for Liberty over the years, including: brothers Colin McKee, Hugh Fulford, the late Barry Anderson, Frank Chesser, Ricky Berger, Roger Campbell, and Sidney White.
The Liberty congregation has faithfully supported many good men in preacher training schools, many missionaries, and children’s homes, and this continues even today.
ORGANIZATION OF LIBERTY CHURCH OF CHRIST
The church of Christ at Liberty, Fla. Route 2, DeFuniak Springs, FLA, was organized in 1946 based on New Testament teachings by Jack Ezell, J.M. McKee, Grover Pope, D.L. Colvin and their wives.
The church building was erected on the property given by D.L. Colvin, by deed, in 1952.
All the organizing members mutually agreed to commence worship services, on the first day of the week (Sunday), solely on Bible Teaching, using the Bible only, as direction in all religious matters, questions and decisions, to teach and promote good moral living, honest work, and dealings, respect for civil law, to care for neighbors, to help the needy, visit the sick and pray; Do affirm this congregation of believers autonomous; to put Almighty God first, above all men, to let His name be Holy and Reverent.
That this congregation of believers, with God’s help and blessings, may have this place to worship in spirit and in Truth, perpetually.
DOCTRINE
The Bible. The 66 books of the Bible shall be used exclusively.
Public preaching/teaching shall center around God, His Son, Jesus Christ, crucified for man’s sins; His death, burial and resurrection, emphasis on godly living.
LEADERSHIP.
ELDERS. Elders shall lead the congregation. Elders shall be selected on New Testament qualifications: 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1. Elders shall minister to the members in all things pertaining to salvation and godly living.
DEACONS. Deacons shall minister under leadership by Elders: 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1.
WORSHIP.
Worship shall be based on New Testament:
Preaching, teaching, praying, acapella singing, freewill giving, and Lord’s Supper.
MEMBERSHIP.
Membership shall be based on New Testament. Examples: A belief in God as Holy Creator; Repentance of sins; Public confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God; His death, burial, and resurrection; Baptism. It is required that candidates understand conditions, and that all become church members upon obedience to the required conditions.