Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) formerly Edwards Chapel Christian Church, was established in 1868 in Pope County, a few miles west of Russellville, Arkansas, in an area known as Coal Springs. Today Coal Springs is part of the city of London. The early church was a biracial congregation. In the early 20th century, the church moved to the area of Ouita, now a part of present day Russellville, along Damascus Road on Norristown Mountain. The Edwards Chapel congregation continued to meet at Ouita throughout the 1930s. On July 12, 1939, members of Edwards Chapel met with a state evangelist and decided to move to the city of Russellville. The congregation was then established at its present-day location at 224 South Independence, at the corner of West Second and South Independence, near downtown Russellville.
The name change from Edwards Chapel Christian Church to Central Christian Church became official August 5, 1990 when a special program was held to celebrate the completion of renovation work on the building done by volunteers from several churches from around the state of Arkansas. We the members of Central Christian Church embrace our heritage and history as Edwards Chapel as we continue our ministry and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in Russellville and the River Valley area. You are welcome to attend worship services at Central Christian Church. There is plenty of room for you!