Chalice:                 

       

 

The symbol of our church is a red chalice (or communion cup) in which an X-shaped cross is embedded.  The cup, which symbolizes the central place communion holds in our worship service, was adopted as the symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the denomination's General Assembly in 1971.  

The color red was chosen because it represents vitality, spirit and sacrifice.  

The X-shaped cross, known as the St. Andrew's Cross, reflects the Scottish Presbyterian roots of the church. It symbolizes the Cross as being the heart of our faith and points back to our church's historical beginnings.  The national church of Scotland was Presbyterian, and the St. Andrews Cross was Scotland's national cross.   St. Andrew is considered to have been the first evangelist by bringing his brother Simon Peter to follow Jesus.

The cross also suggests the humility associated with the "Disciples" name.  Andrew brought the Christian faith to Scotland and became its patron saint.  Tradition has it that Andrew was crucified because of his ministry.  When the terrible moment came, he declared himself unworthy of being crucified on a cross like his Lord's, and requested that he be nailed to an X-shaped cross instead.  The X-shaped cross has ever after served to signify humility and sacrifice.

Both Thomas and Alexander Campbell studied in Scotland, were of the Presbyterian faith, and later were instrumental in the founding of the Disciples of Christ.