History & Arts
Our History
In the 1950’s the North Texas Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began planning for a new church in Northwest Dallas. In 1954 the property at 11001 Midway Road was purchased (at the time, it was in the middle of a field). Ray Bristol, our first minister, conducted the first worship service on March 6, 1955. The service was held in a local elementary school. As the congregation grew, the current facilities, designed by charter member Bill Benson, were constructed.
As Ray Bristol visited with prospective members, he handed them a brochure with this quote: “It is my hope that this church will seek to preach and practice a religion as devoted to justice as the prophets, as concerned for persons as Jesus, as responsible to truth as science, as beautiful as art, as intimate as home and as indispensable as the air we breathe.” That spirit has guided this congregation over the years as members have remained focused on working for justice for all people.
The Table
Communion is a central tenet of our faith, so we took great care to make the communion table a focal point in our sanctuary. The table made of walnut and marble was designed by the church's architect, Bill Benson. The copper panels on the four sides of the table were designed and executed by Heri Bartscht, Professor of Art at the University of Dallas. The table was a gift to MHCC from Tom McNiel to honor his wife Maura McNiel. The sides of the table are covered with panels representing each of the 12 apostles. Mr. Bartscht did much research to determine appropriate symbols for each of the 12 apostles, identifying each with their name and symbols to represent his vocation or an act during his lifetime with Jesus.
The Stained Glass
The broken, yet harmonious color and design of the stained glass windows at Midway Hills Christian Church create its own aesthetic atmosphere of warmth and beauty, grace and power, to feed the heart, mind, body, and soul of each unique sojourner.
Our windows were designed by John Kebrle, owner of Kebrle Stained Glass Studio in Dallas founded in 1920. Kerble served as president of the Stained Glass Association of America his global reputation came from the windows he designed for the Hard Rock Café facilities throughout the world. He chose to create these for MHCC because he believed in our mission and vision.
The Organ
The organ was built by Charles McManis and was installed at Midway Hills in 1967 by the McManis Organ Company of Kansas City, KS. The original installation included the great, the swell, and the pedal organ with plans for the positiv to be added when more funds became available. In 1972 the Krummhorn (61 reed pipes) was the first rank of pipes added to the Positiv. In 1974 Charles McManis installed the following additional pieces: the Positiv pipe work, the Dulzian (61 reed pipes) was added to the swell, and 32 Quintaton pipes (a low flute stop) was added to the pedal. In 1991 the last round of additions were made. These included: a new console with 8 levels of memories, 65 draw stop knobs, and a complete capture and piston system and were supervised by Danny Keller. Keller designed the placement of the draw knobs, and the contract ensured the console matched the architecture of the sanctuary.
MHCC’s McManis organ is registered in the OHS Organ Database. The OHS Pipe Organ Database is the definitive compilation of information about pipe organs in North America. First started in the 1950s and targeting extant historic tracker organs, the database has since grown to cover information on pipe organs, past and present, across the continent.
The Libraries
Midway Hills encourages opportunities for learning, thinking, and challenging the status quo. We recognize reading is an important way we can broaden our perspective and open our minds and hearts.
MHCC has a theological & social justice library and a children's library. In 2023, in conjunction with Crossings229, we will be adding a Banned Book Sanctuary and a Little Free Library.
The Gardens
The Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills, an Earth-Kind Water/Wise Demonstration Garden is a collaboration of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the Dallas County Master Gardeners, and MHCC. Our grounds offer a chance to see what grows well in Dallas’ climate, clay soil, and restricted water. The community can openly view and tour to view areas demonstrating the growth of vegetables, perennials, bee and butterfly host and nectar plants, urban trees, as well as wildlife habitats, composting, and more.
Classes on such topics as rain barrel installation, composting, heirloom bulbs, and vegetable gardening will be offered to residents at a low cost by master gardeners and gardening experts at the MHCC gardens. The Master Gardeners host preschoolers, school children, and at-risk kids for garden visits. Children can enjoy seeing what’s ready to harvest in the vegetable beds or understanding how kitchen scraps can turn into compost.
The Murals
Art is imitating life as beautiful botanical murals are being added to our terrace garden space. Designed and painted with love by our asylum friends.
Prayer Wall for Peace
Created to raise awareness for the war in the Ukraine. Each ribbon on this piece represents a prayer for peace. Watching the wind move through this art installation makes you feel like you're watching the prayers lift up into the wind to God and on to all those affected by this terrible conflict.
Built and installed by members, Matt and Emily Adams.
The Logo
Midway Hills' branding is in a bright rainbow palette. The logo was influenced by the building and stained glass' distinctly mid century style, but was created with a modern twist and clean lines that point towards a reimagined future. It's symbology includes: a left of center, off balance cross; the DOC Chalice in green to symbolize our environmental commitment as a congregation; a fish out of water; and a dove, breaking it's boundaries and crossing borders.
The logo was designed by member, Emily Adams. Emily creates the custom graphics for worship, our communications and branding, and our social media channels. She also built and maintains the website with her business colleague, Kate Lynch.
Symbols of Worship
For a complete reference guide to our art and architecture, refer to our Symbols of Worship Guide.