History of
Courtland Avenue Church of Christ
"So the, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:6-8
1935 - 1992
The Lord's Church was established in AD 33. The Courtland Avenue Church of Christ (formerly Laurel Street Church of Christ) was established in Quitman, Georgia in 1935. Bro. F.L Thompson preached the gospel to a small group of worshippers who met on Laurel Street and called themselves the “Christian Church.” Brother F.L. Thompson was instrumental in baptizing the preacher of that denomination, Bro. Merritt, along with some of the members. The baptisms were done during this time in the Okapilco River. One of the most noted members was Bro. Jack Blankumsee.
After eleven years of meeting in a small building in Quitman, Georgia, on August 15, 1946 Bro. Jack Blankumsee, Brother Lucious Rogers, and Brother Sam Nelson l trustees for Laurel Street Church of Christ purchased a strip of land from J.G. Hardy for the sum of $200.00 to construct a building for the members of the Church of Christ on Laurel Street in the city of Quitman, Ga.
Bro. Jack Blankumsee and Bro. Lucious Rogers became elders of the Laurel Street Church of Christ located at 407 South Laurel Street. Over the years Laurel Street Church of Christ was instrumental in spreading the gospel, establishing and supporting new congregations in other areas – most noted was the Wright Street Church of Christ (presently Rose City Church of Christ) Thomasville, Georgia.
1992 - 2003
Courtland Avenue Church of Christ has been instrumental in mentoring several ministers serving in several states: Bro. Henry Ward (Retired) Deerfield Beach Church of Christ, Deerfield Beach, Florida; Brother Damon Miller (Deceased) Paul Russell Road Church of Christ in Tallahassee, Florida; Bro. Clay Phillips – Rose City Church of Christ, Thomasville, Georgia; Bro. Larry Williams – Eastside Inner City Church of Christ in Decatur, Alabama; Bro. Bro. Sherod Bryant – of Orlando, Florida; Bro. Walter Scott – Newsome Street Church of Christ, Hahira Georgia.; and Bro. Christopher Jackson - Jackson Street Church of Christ, Nashville, Tennessee.
The leadership saw the need for a larger facility to meet the needs of a robust, active, evangelistic membership. In 1982, the Laurel Street Church of Christ purchased six acres of land from the DeVane Surveying Co. located at 601 East Courtland Avenue. The membership prayed and placed a sign on the property that read “Future Site of the Courtland Ave. Church of Christ.” On January 5, 1997, the first dedication services were held at this location and all Thanks, Praise, Glory & Honor goes to our Heavenly Father for His blessings. Also, in 1982 the leadership purchased a three-bedroom parsonage to house the minister and his family. This parsonage was located in one of the prosperous areas in Quitman, Georgia.
2003, Bro. Alvin Daniels, ordained four (4) elders to oversee the Courtland Ave. Church of Christ: Bro. William Phillips (deceased), Bro. Andrew Jackson (deceased), Bro. Walter McCall, and Bro. Oglesby Jackson, Sr.
2004 - to Present Day 2025
In 2004 the leadership and membership took on a major task of adding a state-of-the-art gymnasium with multi-showers for men and women; additional classrooms for Bible classes; a computer room for GED classes; Nursery with televisions capabilities to view actual worship services; and a minister’s private office with shower and bathroom facilities.Courtland Avenue Church of Christ offers the following on-going ministries: BENEVOLENCE ~ BEREAVEMENT ~ BUILDING & GROUND ~ COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS EDUCATION ~ EVANGELISM ~ JAIL/PRISON ~ SEARCH & RESCUE ~ SENIOR CITIZEN ~TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA ~ TRANSPORTATION ~ YOUTH.
Courtland Avenue Church of Christ Family Gives Thanks to God for all His Blessings, Mercy, Grace, Protection and for keeping the Church on Sound Doctrine for 90 years. Our present minister is Brother Oglesby Jackson, Jr.
“90 YEARS STILL HERE,ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN THE FAITH.” (Col. 2:6-8.) ---1935 to Present
