Color Photo of Missions Building--1955

The Disciples of Christ had been operating the Missions facility at 222 South Downey Avenue for forty-five years when this photo was published in the form of a postcard in 1955.  The organization sent missionaries all over the world and invited many people from faraway lands to help train Americans.  The organization eventually obtained the Bona Thompson Library when Butler University moved to the Fairview campus in 1928. Over the years they added wings, an auditorium, and a community room on to the sprawling site.  In fact, the complex became the international headquarters for the Disciple of Christ and churches from all around the world received memos, letters, and missives from 222 South Downey Avenue.  This image shows the structures on a beautiful early autumn day. You can also see that Downey and Ohmer Avenues were still bricked in the mid-20th century. If you look closely, you can see the edge of the Bona Thompson Library at the far left with long boat-like automobiles parked in a nearby lot.

The Disciples of Christ maintained their international headquarters at the Missions Building (222 South Downey Avenue). It can be seen here in 1955.