Monrovia first met on Sunday evening, October 3, 1993, in what was affectionately called "the Yeager Dome," a family gym built on Tim and Janet Yeager's home property on Pettus Road. There were approximately 100 from the surrounding communities of Madison and Limestone counties who wanted to start a new work in the growing area of the Monrovia community.
December 1993, we rented a building lovingly called "the Warehouse" on Slaughter Road. 20 to 30 men who were willing and capable took turns speaking to us at worship
Five shepherds/elders were appointed in May1994: Norman Canerday, Bob Chandler, Bob Hamlett, Alan Langford, and Lee Stinnett. Others were added later in the 25 years: Bob Cox, Don Gross, Jim Stanley, Mike Oliver, John Ashley, Jeff Goode, David Hendrixson, Danny Holmes, William King, Jimmy Hunt, Rick Dill and Alan Miller. In September we selected deacons.
November 1994, Nicky Faught (wife Deborah) began as part-time minister in association with work at Madison Academy and served until June 2004. Nicky returned frequently to teach classes.
April 1995, purchased 10 acres at the corner of Nance and Capshaw, and broke ground for our present building in October 6, 1996.
1995, Ray Palmer (wife Kristy) began as associate minister and taught classes. Ray became pulpit minister in 2005
September 1995 through 2000, Brad Sullivan (wife Lori, and children Haley and Mason, born while at Monrovia) came from Vernon, Alabama, and served as part-time youth minister in association with work at Madison Academy. He continued at MA until becoming the pulpit minister at Vaughn Park (Montgomery) in 2002.
While at “the warehouse” we expanded to remove partitions and rented the large office building behind us using offices as classrooms. Our numbers grew to about 350.
Design for the construction, headed by Rick Dill and several others, continued for about three years with Huntsville Design and Consolidated Construction Company. Many adjustments and alterations of the planned size grew from a basketball court to a double court to seat about 700. Huntsville Design provided the final design and blueprints and CCC won the bid to start construction in 1997.
A theme contest for our church ended up in the congregation selecting “A Common Love”
January 1998, Hugh Minor became our Office Administrator and for about 10 years he and Dorothy lived in a mobile home on the property. Later, a group of our gracious and loving men expanded their daughter’s (Debbie Jennings) home for retirement accommodations.
February 1998, building dedication and celebration after 4 1/2 years at "the warehouse" on Slaughter Road.
Summer 1999, members made the first mission trip to Baja California, Mexico. Brad Sullivan got us started in this joint mission effort with Mayfair Church of Christ. Several mission trips were made afterward to feed, build, provide medical aid, teach, and encourage the church in Zorillo, a small loving group in that village. Brother Franko and Yolanda were always hospitable to us.
1999, we began support of Norm and Jen Weir in British Columbia (Ministry at Large) with recommendation of Hugh Minor who evangelized the Canadian area with them before joining leaving Canada and coming to Monrovia.
William King served as interim youth minister for one year (2000 – June 2001)
Summer 2000, group of about 20 went to Abbottsford, BC, Canada, to conduct a VBS with missionaries Norm and Jen Weir. A second VBS was held in 2001
Lads to Leaders participation from '90s and early '00s with huge numbers for puppets, Bible bowl, speeches, song leading, and other events. Monrovia captured many awards for its children's involvement. All, were winners!
Brad Minor (wife Angie, children Kyle and Lawson, born while at Monrovia) served as our youth minister for 9 ½ years from September 9, 2001 to March 1, 2011
October 2001 began the first fall retreat and the fall festival (Trunk or Treat)
2002 purchased our 37 passenger bus for the Monrovia Youth Group (MYG)
October 2002, we hired Diane Hasley as our first church secretary, and in June 2005 we hired Andra Pendegraft (husband Keith), our current secretary/office administrator. In addition, Danny Holmes (wife Amy) was hired as full time Involvement Minister and served for two years. He is now the Executive Director for AGAPE of North Alabama
The Acappella singing group from Nashville performed in early '00s and again in April 2009
Summer 2003, first mission trip by the MYG to Baja California, Mexico
September 2004, Pensacola, Florida Hurricane Ivan disaster relief was provided by MYG with Huntsville Inner City Youth
July 2005, Milton, Florida Hurricane Dennis disaster relief (MYG)
September 2005, New Orleans, Louisiana Hurricane Katrina (2 or 3 trips) disaster relief (MYG)
January 2007, Sunday Lunches began with cooks: Andra Pendegraft, Kristy Palmer, Sue White, Cynthia Langford (October 2013) and helpers
March 2007, Monrovia’s New Beginnings – Forget what is past and be focused on our future as we pursue the glory of God and His favor through Jesus Christ.
Monrovia church was incorporated and By-Laws approved July 15, 2007 per state statutes
August 2007 - appointment of Trustees: Frank Bradshaw, Secretary, Bernie Waite, and Mark Henry. Frank continues to serve with Elder/Adviser Alan Langford (formerly Alan Miller, Rick Dill).
September 20/21, 2008, Saturday prayer breakfast and Sunday Joint Service with Church of Christ on the Highway, with Brother Michael Crowder, minister at Jackson Street Church of Christ in Nashville
2008/2009, Praise Team started and lead by worship leader Mickey Elkins
2010, started The World Bible School ministry led by Wendell Waite and a large number of dedicated volunteer teachers
Adam Brewer became our full-time youth minister in February 2011 through March 2013. He moved to serve as Youth Minister with Central Church of Christ in Athens, Alabama. In February, Adam became full time minister at Central.
March 2011, iWin Girls' Conference, a 2-day convention for girls held by 1st Lady Empowerment Foundation, Inc.
Winter 2011, began sponsorship of Kevin and Benay Blume and the work in Porto Alegre, Brazil
May – July 2011, directed community disaster relief from church site with FEMA, SBA, and Red Cross
Fall 2012, The Closet was organized by Jay and Summer Darnell and to date had at least two/year successful free shopping days for the community. After the Darnells moved to Orlando, Bryan and Heather Bates assumed leadership
July 2013, Cynthia Nobles and her sister went to British Columbia to do VBS for the Weirs
Youth deacons and ministry leaders continuously served the youth through summer of 2013 until September when Chase Gallimore was hired as a full time associate and youth minister.
Chase Gallimore served till June 2015, leaving to become Winchester Road Church of Christ’s full time minister. Jason and Kim Britton assumed the role of part time Youth Minister. This was decided to continue till the growth increased to warrant a full-time minister
May 9, 2014, Hugh Minor, passed away. He was the church’s administrator and admired member.
February 6, 2016, Hearts for Missions Sunday Total of Given & Pledged for 2016 -- $46,446.00
April 29-30, 2016 Ladies Retreat in Franklin, Tennessee
May 2016, Offered electronic giving through MoGiv
August 16, 2016 A Steady for Life class began with Kim Davis, director of this program
February 12, 2017 Hearts for Missions Sunday Total of Given and Pledged for 2017 -- $37,566.00
September 25, 2017, began two-week daily prayer for additional elder consideration
December 8, 2017, a shipment of goods for the Puerto Rico Hurricane relief was given to Healing Hands, Inc. for delivery. $800 was donated with a match of $800 by the church. Arrival was in March 2018.
December 10, 2017, after three months of study and prayer, seven shepherd elders were ordained. Three former elders: Richard Dill, Alan Langford, and Alan Miller. Four new shepherd elders: Nicky Faught, Jeffrey Goode, Jim Stanley, and Wendell Waite.
December 2017, shepherd elders chose ministries to advise and communicated their plans to the church to be open and involve the church routinely for decisions.
January 2018, a monthly digest of ministry activities was assembled and distributed by email to the church
July 2018, Dewane Shumate and Herschel McFarlen were added to the board of trustees serving with Juan Bolton and Frank Bradshaw. New By-laws were approved by the church.
Throughout Monrovia's history, many members served the church as Bible class teachers, ministry deacons/leaders, and supporters of the good community work, mission efforts locally, regionally, and internationally, and we all accredit this growth in Christ to His praise and glory.