Countryside History
It all began on September 13, 1939 at Maple Street and old U.S. Highway 50 in Mission, Kansas. There was a meeting of a small group of Christian visionaries at the Nifty Lunch Room. They had a vision of starting a new congregation in Johnson County – the first in nearly two decades. By most standards, it wasn’t a very impressive start. Just a small group of dedicated Christians gathered in a diner that is now long forgotten. They had no minister, no building and very limited finances. However, they had one essential asset – a deep sense of commitment reminiscent of earlier Christians.
Initially, evangelistic meetings were held in a tent erected at old U.S. Highway 50 and Nall Avenue until the weather forced the meetings indoors. Hickory Grove School became the temporary home for weekly worship services. In those days the church was called Mission Hills Christian Church and then Mission Christian Church. The name was finally changed to Countryside Christian Church to identify the church with the housing development that surrounded the final location at 61st Street and Nall Avenue.
With the constant growth of the population in the surrounding community, it became necessary to expand the building. A new education wing was added in 1952 and a new sanctuary (the one we currently worship in) was added in 1956. Due to continued growth in membership, a second education wing was added in 1964.
Throughout its history, Countryside Christian Church has been known for its community service and generosity. To mark the 30th anniversary of Countryside Christian Church, the congregation rededicated itself to the vision and mission of the founding members. In that rededication the congregation affirmed that "The major goal of our church...is the involvement of all our people in Christ's mission...We must continue to press toward our goal as much for others as for ourselves until it actually becomes more for others than ourselves." This is still the goal some 45 years later.
Throughout its history, Countryside Christian Church has been known for its community service and generosity. To mark the 30th anniversary of Countryside Christian Church, the congregation rededicated itself to the vision and mission of the founding members. In that rededication the congregation affirmed that "The major goal of our church...is the involvement of all our people in Christ's mission...We must continue to press toward our goal as much for others as for ourselves until it actually becomes more for others than ourselves." This is still the goal some 45 years later.