A Story of Faith, Resilience, & Growth: The History of Owingsville Christian Church
Over 200 years ago, in the rolling hills of Kentucky, a spark was lit that would forever change the course of faith in our region. In 1801, during the Cane Ridge Revival near Paris, Kentucky, tens of thousands gathered — Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Shakers, and more — to drop their divisions and unite simply as “Christians.” Their dream was bold: to restore the church to its New Testament roots, with the Bible as their only guide.
From this movement, a pioneer named “Raccoon” John Smith emerged — a farmer, a builder, a preacher, and a dreamer. His heart burned with a passion for unity and the message of Christ. In 1828, he gathered a small group of believers and planted what would become the Owingsville Christian Church. At first, they worshiped under open skies and in humble homes, but their faith could not be contained. A simple church building rose on donated land, right in the center of town.
Through trials, including a devastating fire that swept through Owingsville in 1894, the church stood resilient. Within a year, a new sanctuary was built — the same historic structure that still welcomes worshipers today, standing as a living testament to God's faithfulness. It is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving not just brick and wood, but a legacy of hope.
Across generations, Owingsville Christian Church has been more than a building — it has been a family. Over 4,000 lives have been added to the Kingdom through her doors. Through wars, depressions, revivals, and renewals, the light of Christ has never dimmed here. Ministries have expanded, a new fellowship hall opened, and worship has continued to ring from the heart of downtown Bath County.
Throughout its nearly 200-year history, Owingsville Christian Church has added over 4,000 souls to the Kingdom of God. Its growth and resilience are reflected in milestones like the construction of the J.T. Ramsey Fellowship Hall in 2005, expanding its ministries and outreach. Prominent pastors, including George C. Frey (1927–1964), Hugh Owen Jr (1969-1978), William H. Hawkins(1978-1985), Charles "Chuck" Lees (1998-2007), Anthony Anderson (2008-2015) and others, have shaped the church’s strong tradition of worship, community service, and biblical preaching.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Sean Bailey (2015 - present) , Owingsville Christian Church still stands — a vibrant, welcoming body of believers — carrying forward the same simple but powerful vision: to be Christians only, loving God, loving others, and living out the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ.
Our story is still being written. And you are invited to be part of it.
Over 200 years ago, in the rolling hills of Kentucky, a spark was lit that would forever change the course of faith in our region. In 1801, during the Cane Ridge Revival near Paris, Kentucky, tens of thousands gathered — Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Shakers, and more — to drop their divisions and unite simply as “Christians.” Their dream was bold: to restore the church to its New Testament roots, with the Bible as their only guide.
From this movement, a pioneer named “Raccoon” John Smith emerged — a farmer, a builder, a preacher, and a dreamer. His heart burned with a passion for unity and the message of Christ. In 1828, he gathered a small group of believers and planted what would become the Owingsville Christian Church. At first, they worshiped under open skies and in humble homes, but their faith could not be contained. A simple church building rose on donated land, right in the center of town.
Through trials, including a devastating fire that swept through Owingsville in 1894, the church stood resilient. Within a year, a new sanctuary was built — the same historic structure that still welcomes worshipers today, standing as a living testament to God's faithfulness. It is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving not just brick and wood, but a legacy of hope.
Across generations, Owingsville Christian Church has been more than a building — it has been a family. Over 4,000 lives have been added to the Kingdom through her doors. Through wars, depressions, revivals, and renewals, the light of Christ has never dimmed here. Ministries have expanded, a new fellowship hall opened, and worship has continued to ring from the heart of downtown Bath County.
Throughout its nearly 200-year history, Owingsville Christian Church has added over 4,000 souls to the Kingdom of God. Its growth and resilience are reflected in milestones like the construction of the J.T. Ramsey Fellowship Hall in 2005, expanding its ministries and outreach. Prominent pastors, including George C. Frey (1927–1964), Hugh Owen Jr (1969-1978), William H. Hawkins(1978-1985), Charles "Chuck" Lees (1998-2007), Anthony Anderson (2008-2015) and others, have shaped the church’s strong tradition of worship, community service, and biblical preaching.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Sean Bailey (2015 - present) , Owingsville Christian Church still stands — a vibrant, welcoming body of believers — carrying forward the same simple but powerful vision: to be Christians only, loving God, loving others, and living out the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ.
Our story is still being written. And you are invited to be part of it.
