Recent photo of the Etna Community Church
OUR MISSION
We are a caring, Christ centered, Bible based Church welcoming everyone to worship with us in spirit and in truth, and to receive salvation in Jesus Christ.. Our mission is to serve God in ministry and love in our local area through Worship, Bible Studies, Missions, and Youth Programs.
OUR OBJECTIVE
This church declares its adherence to the teachings of Christ as set forth in the New Testament. Its objectives
and purposes shall be: to turn the hearts of all men to God; to sustain public worship and Gospel instruction in the community of Etna; to encourage the highest standards of morality and neighborly helpfulness; to foster respect for the law, civic and divine, and for the ideals of American citizenship; to promote the unity of the Church of Christ; and to advance the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
THE MEANING OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Becoming the member of a local church means becoming a member of a fellowship without boundaries of time or geography, a fellowship made up of those who call Jesus Christ "Lord" and who come together to carry out His purposes in the world. Every local church, then, everywhere should be open to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, or economic conditions when they take the appropriate vows of membership.
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HISTORY
The Etna Community Church was organized in 1804 and was originaly called The First Baptist Church of Dryden. It was established by William Miller, who gave his name to the area along Fall Creek which used to be known as Miller's Settlement. Jefferson was President when the church was built.
Construction was planned on July 11,1807 on a lot which was purchased at a cost of two dollars. The church was legally incorporated on May 4, 1822 and was the only Baptist church in Dryden for over 150 years. The present church building was erected in 1830.There have been many adaptations and renovations over the years but many of the early features remain.
There are two pulls for the 1879 church bell ---- one is for peals on Sundays and celebrations. Another shorter rope drops only as far as the second floor. Pulling it operates a hammer that produces a distinct noise that once served as the area's fire alarm in the days before sirens.
The pews are original as well, each made from chestnut wood harvested from nearby hillsides and then cut into boards by local sawmills powered by the creek.
In the 1870's a big remodeling job was done within the church. A whole new sanctuary was constructed inside the original. If you look at the window casements you will notice there is a distance between the wall and the window of about 8". More renovations were done in the 1920's with a Sunday School room which also was for fellowship added to the back. A fiberglass steeple was added in the 1960s along with some other changes.
A ramp was installed for disabled and wheelchair persons in 2005 and other improvements planned as we were able to do them. In 2008 members of the church stripped the paint from the narthax and are waiing for the steeple to be reworked before applying new paint.
July 2009 - Ross Adkins, Zaino Zazzara, and other members are working on the steeple and have been able to stop any water from coming in. They are raising the top part and repairing the foundation under the cap next.