Marion Christian Church Disciples of Christ

We are considered to be one of the oldest structures in Chrittenden County. However, long before it was a church, the property was the site of an Indiana settlement. Later, it became the location of a log and stone jail which stood until it burned during the Civil War. Interestingly, foundation stones of that early jail can still be seen at the rear of the church.

After the jail burned, The property was purchased for $115 at the courthouse door auctioned five the Rev. J. D. Backus on February 4, 1869. The 66' x 37' lot was then purchased on August 30, 1872 for $200 by the Methodist/Episcopalian church. It was this church group that constructed the present building which opened its doors on December 13, 1874.

Although the church building was owned by the Methodist/Episcopalian church, the congregation of the Marion Christian Church, pastured by a Rev. Dimmitt, was permitted to meet there and did so until 1915. It was then that the congregation of the Marion Christian Church purchased the building for $1,250.00. However, the church membership was small and was disbanded and 1929. The building set empty until 1938 when it was sold for $1800.00 to the Marion Baptist church which used it until they, in turn, sold it to the business of Tucker and Franklin on November 14, 1940 sold it to the business of Tucker and Franklin on November 14, 1944.

In the meantime, I resolve to reestablish the church being rekindled among some of the members of the Marion Christian Church, and on December 29, 1945 the building was purchased from Tucker and Franklin for $5,500. When "the church would not quit " was rededicated on September 7, 1947.

Today, the Marion Christian church Disciples of Christ still has a small membership, but it's growth has been significant in other ways. With major renovations in 1980, and more recently and 2008-2010, this beautiful and historic church and its members are more vibrant than ever – fully committed to the church mission.

Finally, because of the unique history, the Marion Christian Church Disciples of Christ was recognized as a Kentucky landmark by Governor Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Heritage Council on August 30, 2009. This honor identifies the church as an ark this honor identifies the church as an "archaeological, . . . and historic property . . . And deems it worthy of preservation."