The original Antioch Church building is one of the oldest church buildings in Clay County still serving an active congregation. Erected in 1859 at a cost of $1800, this one room "meeting house" is peculiar to the architecture of its day. This original building was used continuously for worship until Easter, 1957, when the new sanctuary was first used. The room is still used for some programs, weddings, and on at least one Sunday each year for Worship.
The Antioch congregation was organized as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in September, 1853, by Moses Easterly Lard (1818-1880), pastor of the Liberty Christian Church in Missouri, who had traveled extensively over the state as an evangelist. While still at Liberty, he was asked by Alexander Campbell, a founder of the Disciples' movement.
In the fall of 1930 the congregation was reorganized as a Community Church and called Rev. Carl A. Burkhardt as pastor. Rev. Burkhardt served the Church with distinction a full 27 years before his retirement from active ministry. At the time of his retirement, the congregation had occupied the new physical plant just North of this building and church membership exceeded 450 persons. Rev. C.L. Duxbury succeeded Rev. Burkhardt as pastor, ministering the Church until 1973.
Through the years the Church has been a Northland landmark. The name of the Church has also been taken for the Antioch Road, Antioch Shopping Center, and Antioch Middle School, to mention just a few notable examples. The names of Antioch member families are still evident, as well, in the names of surrounding roads and neighborhoods: Davidson Road, Prather Road, Vivion Road, and Winnwood.
The oldest and most famous of the continuing Antioch Church projects is the annual Strawberry Festival held continuously since 1885. It is not just a Church Social, but a Clay County Reunion for many who have lived in this area.
Pastor's who have Served at Antioch Church include:
- Moses E. Lard (1853)
- Fred V. Loos (1908-1930)
- Carl A. Burkhardt (1930-1957)
- Charles L. Duxbury (1955-1973)
- Hubert W. Byrd (1973-1979)
- Hugh Wamble (1979-1980, 1981-1983, 1986-1987)
- Jon A. Wright (1980-1981)
- Lamoine D. Waldron (1983-1986)
- Gerald E. Brown (1987-2004)
- George Campbell (2004-2005)
- Harry F. Foockle (2005-Current)
