- Nov 26, 2019
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That said, the "Christian Church" that merged with the Congregational Church was itself a prototype of the Restoration Movement that spawned the Disciples of Christ. James O'Kelly, Abner Jones, and Elias Smith in upper New England had become dissatisfied with denominationalism and formed small, localized restoration movements. Barton Stone, who with Alexander Campbell are credited with the larger Restoration Movement, had formed his own group that had been influenced by O'Kelly's views. These groups all merged into the Christian Connection in 1804. However, when Stone and Campbell joined forces in 1832, many from the O'Kelly and Smith/Jones movements chose not to participate, but continued using the name "Christian Church". This was the faction that would merge with the Congregationalists a century later.
I think some stayed independent, and can be found as a mini denomination, sort of like the small group of Evangelical United Brethren who refused to join with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
So by the way I was chatting earlier today with my Episcopalian friend on this forum about the UCC. We were both curious if anyone else presently or formerly affiliated with it is in membership on this forum.
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