Pioneer settlers: John S. Allen and his wife Nancy led a wagon train of settlers to a white oak grove near Big Creek where they founded what later became the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in 1841. Four years later, Allen established a town called Bethany.
The First Christian Church, which traces its history to a time when Harrison County had only a scattering of settlers, will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 7.
