In the city of Columbus in the mid 1800's, there were seven denominations (established by men). These groups were mainly for the Caucasian population. They included Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian. There were two persuasions for black
people, one Methodist and one Baptist.
 

 In existence since 1930, Rose Hill is the oldest Church of Christ in the city. A tent meeting was conducted by Bro. Floyd Decker who was from Montgomery, Ala. He held this meeting on a vacant lot at 14th and 18th street. Afterwards, a building was rented on 32nd street, between 11th and 12th ave. to facilitate public worship.  Later (1938), a group of members formed another downtown congregation which was formerly known as the Waverly Ave. Church of Christ. This group subsequently moved to Warm Springs road.

  During this period, segregation was the law. It was tolerated and practiced throughout the country; especially in the South. The first black congregation in the city is the present day Cusseta Road Church of Christ. Under chance circumstances, Bro. Houston (from Rose Hill congregation) discovered a small group of worshippers in Motts, Ala. He was instrumental in the move from there to Columbus during the early 1930's. The assembly had its beginning at 5th ave. through a tent meeting conducted by Bro. E. Butler (out of Birmingham, Ala.), who was the main speaker during the occasion. One of Bro. Butler's most notable expressions was, "Will your religion stand investigation?" Along with Bro. Butler, Bros. Adams and Moore were vital in promoting the cause of Christ among the black population in the city. The church later gathered at the 9th street YMCA in Columbus. Bro. Jack Burston worked at the YMCA for over 40 years, and gained approval for utilizing the facility to conduct worship service.

  In the mid forties, the church moved to Seale Road in Phenix City, Ala., where it remained until it was relocated to South Street in Columbus, GA. (in the latter 1940's). Shortly after the church relocated to South Street, Bro. Marshall Keeble conducted a one night service and Bro. H. S. Simmons took on the charge as minister. Bro. Simmons was from Huntsville, Ala. and was positioned by Bro. Keeble.

  From 1940 through 1953, Bro. Simmons served as the minister and Bro. and Sister Burston, with the support from the Rose Hill congregation, were the physical cornerstone. Early members included: Bro. Shannon and Ardella Collins, along with their son Carver, Bro. and Sister Jack Colquitt, Bro. and Sister Ursa Leonard, Sister Thelma Sterlin, Bro. and Sister Patrick, Bro. and Sister Curtis Sparks, Bro. and Sister Colb, Sister Rebecca Ward and her household, Sister Fannie Cook, Sister Betsy Smith, Sister Carrie Fulbright, and Sister Ella Mae Jackson. Many descendants and relatives of the early church are among the present membership.

  Bro. Henry Walker was ordained as an elder during the latter 1950's. He was joined by Bro. Lonnie Evans during the early 1960's. In the early 1970's, Bro. Eddie L. Clayton, and Bro. Joe L. McCray was appointed as elders. The next selection was Bro. John Marshall, Sr., in the mid 1970's.

  Faithful servants which contributed to ministry and growth of the congregation from the past up through the present involved: Bro. Luke Miller, Bro. Cass Wade, Bro. Ralph T. Henley, Bro. Hosea Robinson, Bro Marion Holiday, Bro. Lee Buthrie, Bro. K. T. Henry Sr., Bro./Elder Eddie L. Clayton Jr., Bro. Lewis L. Banks and Bro. Elliot C. Glasgow,

  The flock flourished immensely since its beginning and continues to expand. To serve the rapidly growing congregation, additional elders were ordained in August 1996. They were Bro. Creg Amos, Bro. Richard Allen and Bro. Billy Jackson. The structure which stands this day at 3013 Cusseta Road, was also built to accommodate the church-growing population. The doors rolled back on welcome hinges on May 11, 1997.

  We thank God for the leaders who had the foresight to plan to continue to serve this community. Three of those leaders are deceased.