Bible class celebrates 60th year

Courtesy photo The Clovis Men’s Bible class has attracted more than 1,000 members and visitors during its 60-year history.

Freedom New Mexico

The Clovis Men’s Bible Class will celebrate its 60th year of Bible study and Christian fellowship on Sunday.

The non-denominational class has created a heritage of in-depth Bible study for men of all faiths throughout the Clovis community since it began in 1949 under the leadership of I.D. Johnson and Ed Dillon.

The men’s Bible class has attracted more than 1,000 members and visitors during its 60-year history. Its purpose has been to help men have a better understanding of the Bible and to enjoy Christian fellowship with each other.

Reverend Paul Chinikidiadi currently serves as the teacher of the class. He teaches the class by getting to know God and shares some of his Christian carvings which he said helps illustrate God’s words.

The class was organized by Clovis dentist and cattleman Johnson and local businessman Dillon on Jan. 31, 1949. The group was originally called the Methodist Men’s Bible Class and met in the basement of the First United Methodist Church on Main Street. When the class grew to more than 100 members, it moved to the old Clovis High School Library at Seventh and Main streets. Through the years, the class has continued to grow and has moved several times. Currently, the class meets at North Plains Cinema 7 at 9 a.m. each Sunday, dismissing at 10:15 a.m. so members can attend their own church services.