A congregation with roots in Mooresville will celebrate 100 years at its current Athens location on Sunday.

First Christian Church of Athens completed construction on its Market Street home in 1919, according to Pastor Clint Coffey. Church members first met in Mooresville before sharing a location with Market Street church of Christ, behind U.G. White’s in Athens.

On Sunday, May 5, the congregation will host a special public service to celebrate 100 years since it started meeting at the corner of Market and Madison streets. Coffey said the traditional worship service, which starts at 10:30 a.m. each week, will include a recognition of the church’s history and a message celebrating its centennial.

The Rev. Jack Baldwin, who preached at the church in the 1980s and 1990s, will speak.

“Hopefully, we will have every pew in the sanctuary, classroom and balcony filled,” reads a post on the church’s Facebook page. “Invite your family, former church members, all church members, friends, everyone!!”

Coffey said there are families in the congregation who have attended the church through multiple generations. In fact, his own mother was baptized in the church.

“My mother grew up in this church,” he said. “She was baptized here in the 1950s. She graduated from Athens High in 1963.”

After graduation, she married the man who would be Coffey’s dad and moved to Decatur. Coffey grew up at the First Christian Church in Decatur but has been preaching at the Athens church for about five years.

He describes the church as practicing “an open communion table.”

“Everyone is welcome at the table,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a member, child, senior — doesn’t matter.”

Following Sunday’s services, the church has a birthday potluck planned. Cake, drinks and meat will be provided, but those who attend are encouraged to bring sides and other dishes to share.

Then, once everyone’s had their fill, 4Given Gospel Quartet will perform a free concert in the city parking lot across the street. The entire day is open to the public.