A Brief History of Sunman Community Church

Back in those early years when Sunman was but a small village of a few scattered homes dotting a clearing surrounded by mighty giants of the forest, the great majority of the inhabitants of those homes were a godly people whose only place of worship was the log cabin of some settler wherein the Word of God was taught in the light of a flickering candle.

In the 1880's the organization of a church society was begun; but did not last. In 1890 Rev. David L. Vandament of a neighboring town was successful in effecting the organization of a Christian Union Society. You will notice the sign above our present sanctuary entrance. Rev. Vandament and his handful of followers who were aided by a generous public of various sects and creeds, a frame structure was erected at another location in town and in 1898 was dully dedicated to its worthy purpose and named "Perry Chapel" in memory of Perry Vandament, a little son of the pastor whose death occurred during the work of construction.

For a number of years prior to 1923 religious interests had been suffering a gradual decline until dreams of a churchless town finally awakened its people to a realization of what the future might be if such condition was permitted to exist. And so weary of the strife and denominational competition then prevailing and tired of the economic waste of competing institutions, a group of town and community citizens inspired by the masterful leadership of Rev. Alfred Thomas.

Many denominations were and still are represented in the Community Church. The people of the time emphasized the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ over denominational loyalty.

We see a place where people are enthusiastic; a place where people are both joyful and real. We see a place where love flows freely from friend to friend in kind greetings, in conversation, in words of encouragement. A place where people come and relax from all their tension; where people sing songs of worship in excitement and fervor; a place where people challenge themselves from God's Word. We see a family, that takes care of each other, and holds arms open wide to anyone who would wish to be a part. We see a place where tears are shed, confessions of sin and faith are made to people with loving eyes and ears, and where hugs are given frequently. We see a place where you don't have to try to impress anyone; where you have nothing to prove and nothing to lose. We see a place where you can be yourself and receive unconditional love. A place where you can share your problems, heartaches and troubles and there is always someone to listen and pray. We see a place of growth. A place of service.We see a place of faith, love and forgiveness. We see a place that will change our community and our world. God bless Sunman Community Church on this her 75th year. To God be the glory!