Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Louisville

911±¬ÁÏÍø

Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Louisville

Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Louisville

Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, located on West Saint Catherine Street in Louisville, Kentucky, traces its roots to 1888 when two congregations—the Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Chestnut Street Church—united to form a new community of worship. The group first bought land at Third and Saint Catherine but soon sold it to build on the current site at Fourth Avenue. The first service was held on December 16, 1888, with 111 charter members and Dr. J. H. Young serving as pastor.

As the congregation grew, plans for a larger sanctuary were set in motion. By January 1902, membership had risen to 472 under the leadership of Dr. H. D. Moore, and construction of the current Gothic Revival-style sanctuary began. The design incorporated elements of the original 1888 building, preserving its historic and architectural value. Recognized for its striking beauty and ecclesiastical design, the sanctuary remains a prominent example of Gothic Revival architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Over the decades, the church expanded and adapted to the needs of its growing congregation. A Sunday School Annex was added in 1922, and major renovations were undertaken following the devastating 1937 flood. The Sallie Smyser Chapel, completed in 1957, is the most recent addition to the church complex, enhancing its role as both a place of worship and community gathering.

Today, Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church continues its mission as a metropolitan and intercultural congregation, committed to fostering grace, faith, and inclusivity in the heart of Louisville. Through its long-standing presence and architectural grandeur, the church remains a cherished spiritual and historical landmark in the city.

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Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church on Map

Sight Name: Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church
Sight Location: Louisville, USA (See walking tours in Louisville)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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