Our History

In 1867 the former black members of First Christian Church in Kentucky began to meet at the Tubman School. This two room school building was located behind First Christian Church at the corner of Eighth and Main Streets. The name of the new church was “The Colored Christian Church of Paris”.

In 1869, prayers were answered as Thomas and Mary Green sold the church trustees a parcel of land where the Seventh Street Christian Church stands today. It is interesting to know that this location was formally known as Georgetown Road. The members of the church paid $1,000 for the land, an exorbitant price for that period. The deed stated that one-half of the purchase price was to be paid down and the balance was due within one year. The members were so excited about owning their own church they worked long hours and paid the balance in six months. With their debt paid they began building a new church. On the third Sunday in August, 1871 the new structure was officially dedicated.

The church has operated under three names: “The Colored Christian Church of Paris”, “The Second Christian Church of Paris” and presently “The Seventh Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)”. A tribute to the church is there have been only 13 ministers in its over 150 years of existence. Pastors Stafford Campbell and William Garr have been the two longest serving Pastors providing more than 73 years of combined service.

The original building was a brick structure. This structure was covered during Pastor Campbell’s ministry and the Annex and Vestibule were constructed.

Currently Elder William K. Garr is the Pastor and during his 30 years of leadership our membership has continued to grow. We are especially blessed to have a sizable number of young adults and youth as active members of our congregation. Pastor Garr and his wife Sis Deborah and their family have been a blessing to our church and the community. First Lady Garr serves as Director of Music for all five choirs. Senior Choir, The Chariots of Fire, The Praise Team, Young Adults and The Youth Choirs. Seventh Street Christian Church has truly been Blessed!