Although the North Fifth and Grape church of Christ had its beginnings about 2000 years ago on the day of Pentecost¹ in approximately the year 33 A.D., the local body by this name began in 1973(74?), when two members of the Highland church in Abilene decided to plant a new church when the former Central Presbyterian Church building became available. Since then, the church has striven to remain faithful to the principles taught in the New Testament. The members found some discomfort for about the first year while the former occupants' musical organ remained in the building until it could be moved out. The area where the choir had been was removed, with the back wall being brought forward closer to the edge of the podium, and a new baptistry was built behind the wall that had been so moved.

The church has an average Sunday morning attendance of about 70 to 100 souls, with a membership role somewhat more numerous. About 70% of the attendees are in the over-50 crowd, although recently a significant number of younger persons has been in attendance.The ethnic make-up is mostly a mix of Caucasian, Black, and Hispanic.

The King James Version of the Bible has traditionally been held in high regard, although it is recognized that like every translation, it has its flaws. The preference of many in the membership for this version tends to lend an Old English flavor to the church in song, prayer, and marquee messages, although such usage is not compelled upon anyone, and has in recent years been less prominent.

The intimacy of the church members is such that it is rare that a substantial group of members does not gather together to go to a restaurant for lunch after Sunday morning assemblies, and often after Sunday evening assemblies, and often before Wednesday evening assemblies, and not uncommonly, Friday evenings as well.

About once a year the church conducts a Gospel Meeting. The men meet for a breakfast meeting once every other month, and the women usually meet weekly for Ladies' Bible Class on Tuesday mornings and for Ladies' Night Out on Thursday evenings for supper. The church has a potluck meal once every other month. Occasionally we'll have a get-together on the grounds or at a member's house for a barbecue or similar shin-dig.

 1. The Greek word Pentēkostē means "the fiftieth [day]", and its Hebrew equivalent Shavu'ot means "weeks", and both refer to the Hebrew holy festival known as the Feast of Weeks, which occurs seven weeks plus one day, or 50 days, after the Hebrew holy festival known as Passover. You can read about this beginning of the Fifth & Grape church in the Biblical book of Acts, chapter 2.