Austin Avenue is a congregation centered on people, and on encouraging people to live in the joy and peace of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ. The congregation that meets at Austin Avenue is not about a building, although we are blessed with a building that suits our needs very well. We're not about programs, although we have a variety of programs to help us grow and care for those around us. We're not about outward appearances, although we want the love of Christ to show in our faces and our lives as much as it resides in our hearts. Austin Avenue is all about being a family in Christ and about serving God wholeheartedly in all that we do. That's not an empty statement, because Austin Avenue has some ideas and goals that we're actively pursuing under the leadership of our Elders. Our focus is to be conformed to the image of Christ. We clothe ourselves in the glory of God's grace and salvation. We begin our life in Christ with the simple act of Baptism, which is a submission of our will to God's desire to have a relationship with us. Giving our lives to God, beginning in this manner, gives us access to the promise of salvation and peace God made to those who would believe and trust in him. The Story of Christianity is a journey that began two thousand years ago in the Middle East, and it shook the foundation of the world. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ drew early Christians to meet together as a spiritual family in unity and love, and that same sacrifice enables Austin Avenue to have the same fellowship today. We feel the kinship of Jesus's blood with those early brothers and sisters. The Story of Christianity did not end with the conclusion of the Bible, but continues on in the lives of Christians in every part of the globe. Our worship services are centered around sharing the memorial act of "Communion." This is a joyful and thoughtful time where we quietly remember Christ's death and resurrection. Austin Avenue looks to the principles the Bible describes for insight into God's will for our lives. The congregation looks to a group of Elders for spiritual leadership and guidance. These men are appointed for their special role using the principles set forth in the Bible. A group of Deacons , or "Servants", serve the congregation in various roles by giving of themselves in ways for which they are specifically suited. If our congregation interests you, we would love to have you visit us at one of our services or any of the gatherings at the building and in our homes. If you have special needs we can help you with, or you want to know more, we invite you to e-mail us or contact us in other ways. HISTORY Taken from the "Centennial of the Church of Christ" by Alex and Myrtle McBroom In 1888, when the Church of Christ in Brownwood received her first deed to a lot at 701 Fisk, there was already much activity in Brownwood as well as in the county. Many who had moved into the county were already Christians. They were meeting in homes, remembering that where "two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst" Mt. 18:20. J. R. Wilmeth, Sr., a preacher and teacher, noted that it was not unusual for a group to hold three week meetings. Baptisms were performed in the Pecan Bayou, ponds and concrete stock tanks. On October 16, 1912, a lot at 1515 Brady Ave. was purchased. The membership outgrew that site and the group purchased the first of the Austin Avenue property in 1916. The eldership at that time included William G. Eubanks, E. L. Crawford, B. F. Williams, D. B. Rambo and J. R. Shipp. Notable construction dates of the 1020 Austin Avenue location include the old auditorium being built in 1924, classroom construction in 1945, the present auditorium was erected in 1970 and the Family Center was added in 1985.