Central Christian Church 🇺🇸

If you appreciate rich history and architectural heritage, Central Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, offers a fascinating stop. Located at 205 E. Short Street, this active congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) stands as a landmark of deep historical significance. The church's origins trace back to 1815, when Barton Stone, leader of the nearby Cane Ridge Revival, began preaching in Lexington, leading to the establishment of the city's first Stone Movement church in 1816.

Most notably, on January 1, 1832, this congregation served as the site where the Stone and Campbell movements officially united to form the Restoration Movement, marked by a historic handshake between Barton Stone and "Raccoon" John Smith. When you visit the current building, constructed between 1893 and 1894 at Short and Mill Streets, you will see a structure listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1979. Take time to admire its distinctive design by architects Edwin W. and Frank L.

Smith; it is celebrated as the major surviving Richardsonian Romanesque structure in Lexington. As you explore, notice the striking contrast between the original 1890s stone construction and the brick portions added later in 1952.

What to see at Central Christian Church

• Historic site of the 1832 Stone and Campbell movement merger
• Major surviving Richardsonian Romanesque building in Lexington
• Designed by architects Edwin W. and Frank L. Smith
• Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1979
• Features original 1893–1894 stone construction alongside 1952 brick additions

Visiting tips

Take a moment while at Short and Mill Streets to observe the architectural details of the original stone structure built in the 1890s.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Central Christian Church is easy to reach on Lexington’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Douglass Park and Lexington Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lexington travel guide.