The Sedalia gathering will mark the 180th year since the first annual meeting in Missouri. The first one was at Bear Creek Christian Church in Boone County, September 23, 1837. A report in the Millennial Harbinger published early in 1838 listed the Christian Churches in Missouri.

Salt Creek was listed as "planted" in 1816--the year the group was organized; the building holding its first worship service November 22, 1817.

Other early congregations:

Freedom, Howard County, 1818
Bear Creek, Boone County, 1821
Fayette, Howard County, 1825
East Fork of Chariton, Randolph County, 1826

The list totaled 23 and the report said they had "at least 1500 members.'

Other early churches apparently not represented at the meeting included:

Red Top, Boone County, 1822
Libertyville, St. Francois County, 1822
Antioch, Callaway County, 1828

The greatest growth of the denomination came throughout the 1830s, 40s, and 50s.

Thanks to Bob Priddy for this bicentennial message.