Graymere’s History

The Graymere church of Christ began as a dream of the Highland church of Christ. The Highland brethren purchased property and in December, 1955, work was begun to convert a restaurant building into a suitable meeting place for worship. The first services were held the first Sunday of April, 1956, with Waldon Tarpley preaching. J.P. Sanders spoke at an open house Sunday afternoon. Thus, the Graymere congregation had her beginning.

The young congregation's first preacher was Eric Guthrie. After brother Guthrie's untimely death a year later Alfred Palmer, began work with the infant church. Fred Mosley assumed the duties of minister in 1958. That same year Roy Crabtree, Lloyd Pruett and J.C. Warren were appointed the first elders. Due to rapid growth, five additional acres of land were purchased and a new auditorium was built.

Jerry Hill served as minister from 1961 to 1965. In 1962, an educational wing was built. In 1963, Ernest Grissom and Vernon Gilliam were appointed elders. Jim Farris, Sam Roberts and Lee Flatt were added to the eldership in 1965. Ellis Coates served as minister for 18 months. In February, 1967, John R. Vaughan became minister of the Graymere congregation and continued until December of 2003. In 1972, a second educational wing and fellowship area were added in a way that tied all existing structures together into one large facility.

In 1977, Buford Dreaden and Robert Waddell were appointed elders, and in 1983 John Fitzgerald was also appointed and elder. In 1986, Harold Hardison and Kenneth Jackson were added to the eldership. Charles Wilburn became an elder in 1991. Two elders were appointed in 1993: George Brazelton and Willie Robinson; Jim Thomas was appointed in 1994. Current serving in the capacity of elders are: Rick Combs, Jerry Kirk, Hugh Langley, Jack Love, Fred Porter, Roger Riddle, Dennis Stephen, Steve Thomason, Kevin Thompson, Rick Whitley.

In June 1983, Wendell Robinson was added to the staff as educational director. Currently Chad Landman works as the Educational minister.

Jeff Ingram became youth minister in 1990. In 2012 Rusty Pettus moved to Alabama to work with Heritage college and Chris Webb became the Youth minister. Currently Jon David Schwartz serves as our youth minister.

Carmack Skelton was added to the team of ministers in 1993 and worked with the seniors. In 2008 Jack Malone was added to the Graymere staff and serves as our seniors minister.

In 1984-85 the fellowship hall was greatly expanded. Movable walls were installed so the area could also be used for classroom space. In 1985 the seating capacity of the auditorium was increased from 600 to approximately 1200. In 1994 a Benevolent Outreach building was erected. That same year a conference room for the elders was added. Also in 1994, adjoining property was purchased. The property contains a fine house which is being used as a senior center and a counseling center. In 1995, the counseling center was staffed by a Christian counselor.

In 2011 Jonathan Winchester joined the Graymere Minister staff to become the director of worldwide missions and local missions.

In 2004 John Vaughan shifted his focus and began to work full time with the Outreach and TV ministry; and Kirk Brothers became the Pulpit minister for the Graymere congregation. In 2011 Kirk Brothers moved to Freed Hardeman to be one of their professors.

Andrew Phillips currently serves as the Pulpit minister and host of our TV ministry.