About Our Church

Central Christian Center began on December 5, 1954 in the home of Mr. And Mrs. John Carol. The church’s first pastor was Rev. A. J Franks. The young congregation held their first service in the basement of their new building in August 1956.

Brother Franks was followed by Rev. M. J. Boulovar who served until 1961 and he was succeeded by Rev. Lester Duncan. After many years of sacrifice and prayer the congregation moved into its new auditorium on West 26th Street on March 29,1964.

In 1969 Brother Duncan resigned and was replaced by Rev. Walter Marion who served the church for one year. In 1972 Dr. Mack Evans was called to the congregation which had dwindled to about thirty-five.

Under Dr. Evans’ capable leadership for over thirty years, the congregation grew to one of the largest congregations in the Four-States. In 1972 the church moved from West Twenty-Six Street to the beautiful and historic Fox Theater located in downtown Joplin.

In 2003 Dr. Hank Deslatte became Pastor of Central Christian Center and continues to serve the congregation today. With a dedicated Pastor, staff and faithful body of believers Central Christian Center stands as a lighthouse to the Four-States, proclaiming God’s love and showing our community that “We Care” !.