In the early 1920’s, the church of Christ began meeting at Indian Springs on Coal River Road near St. Albans. Later, it met at the Halstead building on 4th Avenue within the city; also at the Moose Lodge Hall on ‘C’ Street. At that time there were 20 members.
In 1932, the small group moved to the store building at the corner of Washington Street and Washington Avenue. It was known as the Washington Street Church of Christ at this time, and membership was about 35. The church worshiped there until 1937, when a new white church building with a bell tower and baptistry was completed on the west side of Washington Street. It had a seating capacity of 125. Dr. Joseph Pettit donated the property on which it was erected.
By 1948, the congregation had outgrown its facilities, so an addition was made which increased the seating to 200. As the church continued to grow, another addition was made in 1954 to accommodate 300 people. Classrooms were added in 1962 to further increase the size. In 1985, another addition was completed which increased the number of classrooms and provided a fellowship room. The auditorium was fully carpeted as well as all of the classrooms.
I.D. Janey served as the first minister, working on a part-time basis from 1933-1937. The first full-time minister was Frank Cope, who served from 1937-1940. Others who served as ministers were Russell Lemon, 1940-41; Robert Cooper, 1941-43; Ross Swindler, 1943-48; Ralph Hanlin, 1948-52; C.D. Beagle, 1952-56; Ross Saunders, 1956-57; James Swafford, 1957-63; Virgil Jones, 1963-64; Ralph Siders, 1964-67; Darrell Moore, 1967-80; J. Donald Mash, 1980-94; Ken Chumbley, 1994-97; Michael Mayo, 1997-2007; Eddie Cooper, 2007-2018; and Scott Pauley began his work here in January, 2019.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Lectureship began in 1987, and continued for 24 years. The church is active in supporting Potter’s Children’s Home, has a food pantry to serve the community, a clothing giveaway twice a year, the support of a student at the West Virginia School of Preaching, a weekly 15 minute radio program, the support of various mission efforts throughout the year, a Vacation Bible School, distribution of the House to House publication every two months, and an annual Gospel Meeting.
All that is done is for the glory of God and His kingdom!