By David Phillips
This congregation had its beginning in Montgomery in the early 1930’s as a result of mission efforts by the Highland Avenue church of Christ. The Highland Gardens community at that time consisted of about 120 homes, and as the church began meeting in various homes in the community, several gospel meetings were held in the neighborhood in tents. On January 1, 1932, construction began on a small, wood frame church building on the corner of Miller and Wilena Streets. By the end of that first day, the building was sufficiently complete to allow the congregation to meet in it. With walls and a roof in place, windows and doors were hung, and a coal heater kept the structure tolerably warm. With rough boards atop concrete blocks for pews, the church met for its first worship service in the “new” building that night. Within a few weeks, 120 chairs were purchased at a cost of one dollar each to replace the crude “benches”.
Millions upon millions have recited this prayer since our Lord first taught it, finding comfort in its familiarity. Yet the Scriptures teach us that we should pray with both the right spirit, and with the understanding. (cf.