History

The Christian Center was the realization of three entities working together: 1) God's direction and will, 2) Reverend Lambert's background of alcoholism and seeing the need, & 3) the jail ministry carried on by Anderson College students.  Any one of these three could provide an interesting story itself; however, we will focus on what happened as they fused together to become The Christian Center, Inc.

Assisting at the jail with the college group, Christianity in Action, Rev. Lambert saw, week after week, the need for a place for men to go after being released from jail.  He saw a need for a place where they could receive spiritual guidance as well as the physical needs of food, clothing and shelter; a place where they might find direction and purpose and change the deteriorating condition of their lives.

And so a young idealistic college student shared his idea with a wise and sympathetic college professor named Marie Strong.  Miss Strong remained a life long supporter and advisor to Rev. Lambert and TCC.  Also, from the legal system, local leaders, and church leaders he began to gather ideas and support for a half way house.  Many local people began to encourage him, including several more professors from Anderson College where he was attending school.

In November of 1956, after much prayer and planning, TCC opened its doors to the first resident.  Rev. Lambert received a great deal of support in this endeavor; so much so, in fact, that it would be impossible to give proper recognition.  However, the college community and city leaders were very favorable and helpful in those early years;  quoting from a 1956 newspaper article about the new Christian Center's purpose: "to provide, conduct and maintain an industrial rescue and relief department and such other departments as may be found necessary to minister adequately to the physical, social, moral and spiritual needs of the community..."  Many years have passed and The Christian Center still strives to live up to that first goal.

Our mission today: "Offering a transformed life in Christ to the Hungry, Hurting, and Homeless."  The same mission, but concise.

The mission originated in the old Phillips house, located at 614 Main Street (where Harter House stands today).  The spacious 14-room structure housed a chapel, dormitory, office, dining room, storage, and lounge facilities, and was purchased on faith with less than $600.00 in the bank.  The Phillips house served the Mission sufficiently for numerous years.  As need grew, so did the response in support of the Mission.  A move across the street into the old Computing Cheese Cutter Co. building began.  That building was purchased in two separate transactions.  First, the store and shop moved in, and later the offices; last, the dormitory and kitchen.  The Christian Center is still housed in that facility today.

In 1962, Dorothy Lambert (Rev. Lambert's wife) spent many hours calling local churches and asking for women volunteers.  This formation of local leaders initiated the Ladies Auxiliary.  The purpose was to run a second hand clothing store.  The women were to sort donated goods, make small needed repairs, and stock racks and shelves.  This store, called the Attic Window, first operated at 1011 Main Street until it relocated beside the mission property to 627 Main Street in 1971.  Today, The Christian Center Thrift Store is housed at 621 Meridian Street, directly behind the former Attic Window space.

Over the years, the ministry has continued to grow, meeting the needs of those in crisis and offering the redeeming hope that is in Christ. Thousands of transformed lives have been born out of one man's healing.  It's a ripple effect.  When Christ is in the center of one man's transformation, it extends beyond himself and effects the whole community.  This is the heart of The Christian Center ministry, and why we say...

… Healing Begins Now.