Rev. M. Faye Vaughn lifted onto DOC ordination track

The Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, left, Disciples of Christ general minister and president, led a “Laying on of hands” ceremony for the Rev. M. Faye Vaughn on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Frankford First Christian Church. The Disciples of Christ organization has recommended ordination for Rev. Vaughn, 88, a certified lay minister, who serves the Frankford congregation. Photo by Ethan Colbert. 

MARY LOU MONTGOMERY

The color red, in recognition of Pentecost, was dominant in the sanctuary on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as the rural Frankford First Christian Church welcomed - believed to be for the first time in its 200-year history - a top official of the Disciples of Christ denomination.

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, DOC general minister and president, paid an official visit to the historic church in Frankford, and spoke at both the 10 a.m. service, and again when the congregation regathered for a special service at 1:30 p.m.

Rev. Hord Owens is the first person of color, and just the second woman, to lead the denomination.

Also in attendance and a guest at the pulpit during both services was the Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, regional minister.

Frankford, a 19-mile drive south from Hannibal, has a proud heritage with the Disciples of Christ, the congregation serving as the second-oldest DOC church still in operation west of the Mississippi.

Filling the local pulpit in the historically “white” church is the Rev. Marietta Faye Vaughn, a certified lay minister and woman of color, who at 88, has lived in Frankford since her marriage to Bob Vaughn when she was just 18. He died in 2011.

Frankford historically had two DOC churches, one serving the “white” congregants and the other serving the “black” congregants.

The Second Christian Church disbanded many years ago. Rev. Vaughn, when called to the ministry, went on to serve the close-by New London Second Christian Church (DOC) for 25 years, until her retirement.

During Sunday afternoon’s special service, a surprise awaited Rev. Vaughn.

After congratulating the Frankford congregation on 200 years of Discipleship, the Rev. Hord Owens turned to Rev. Vaughn and asked, “Are you ready to receive a blessing?”

Rev. Vaughn, visually surprised, said “yes,” then a chair was brought forth into the sanctuary, and Rev. Vaughn was invited to sit down.

Rev Hord Owens invited elders and spiritual leaders to come and gather around Rev. Vaughn for a special “Laying on of hands” ceremony.

This symbolic act is traditionally used as a form of invoking the Holy Spirit primarily during baptisms, healing, blessings and ordinations. (Wikipedia.)

Rev. Hord Owens made the announcement that Rev. Vaughn, at the age of 88, has been placed on the “ordination track” by the Disciples of Christ Denomination. That action, pending formal approval, will take place during the October DOC conference.

The DOC is looking at its lay ministers, Rev. Hord Owen said, “who are doing God’s will. Many were denied opportunities, and could not attend seminary.

“You are doing a good thing,” she told Rev. Vaughn. “You should have been ordained years ago. What a joy it is. This is an incredible historic blessing.”

Rev. Vaughn’s story “is a part of Frankford’s church story,” Rev. Hord Owens said, “our whole church. What can be possible, to be able to recognize gifts and callings, recognize leadership, regardless of if she’s black and you’re white. That’s movement of God.

“We celebrate. There are young people who we know God is speaking to now, they need to know who Rev. Faye Vaughn is; they can see that with God, nothing is impossible. We honor your faithfulness. During this pre-ordination, we're honoring the journey God placed upon her years ago. He allowed her tree to bear fruit and prosper.

“We are blessed by her witness, her love, her many many gifts,” Rev. Hord Owens said.  “God, keep her healthy and safe and keep her mind free from stress and worry. Let her know how much she is loved. To God be the glory. What a mighty God we serve.”

Among those in attendance at the special church service was her great-great grandson, Christian Baker of St. Louis, who presented Rev. Vaughn with a floral bouquet.

Visiting Disciple of Christ Churches represented on Sunday morning included Willow Street Christian Church of Hannibal; the Second Christian Church of New London; the Second Christian Church of Vandalia; and Bowling Green.

“If you are looking for something, not even sure what, what I can tell you this congregation is a place to be at home,” the Rev. Hord Owens said. "They care for the children; they are on a good trajectory. This is a church that loves God.

“I want to ask each one of you, don’t let another day go by, without finding a community where you can live and grow; this can be a place where you can do that.”

Phil and the Rev. Minnie Smith led Rev. Hord Owens on a tour of Hannibal on Saturday, including a stop at Jim’s Journey museum.