A group of people who worshipped in Fonde, Kentucky moved to
the community of Noetown (just west of Middlesboro, Kentucky). This group
was able to retain their vision and zeal for the Lord, and began having
prayer meetings and worship services in their homes. From this series of
meetings that took place in 1941, plans to build and organize a church began
to materialize.
The property where the church still stands today, was given
by Brother Charlie Collins. This small group of dedicated and faithful
Christians worked together and began construction on a sanctuary. Rev. Dave
Hammitte worked very hard and was instrumental in building and organizing
the church. In 1942, the church was organized with a membership that
included: Charlie & Cora Collins, Dave & Betty Hammitte, Bee & Cora Brewer,
Admiral & Helen Ayers, Bessie Hammitte, Bessie Williford, and Lilian
Hoskins. On August 23, 1942, the first Sunday School was held. That year,
the church elected Rev. Ottis Ellis the first pastor.
The original location of the church was very close to the
highway. Several years later, however, more property was purchased, and the
church was moved back. In 1973, the church purchased its first parsonage
which was used until 1978. That year, the church built a new parsonage, and
began using the old building for Sunday School rooms and fellowship
meetings.
In 1984, a new sanctuary was constructed followed by the
building of an educational wing in 1986. Later, the old parsonage was torn
down and the old sanctuary was moved again to its present location where it
serves as a fellowship hall. In November 1987, the full indebtedness of the
building program was paid in full. In 1992, stained glass windows were added
to complement the beauty of the church. In January 2000, the church
purchased more property adjoining the current location. In 2007, remodeling
and restoration of the sanctuary began.
Hitherto, hath the Lord helped us!
The following men have served as pastor of the church—Revs.
Ottis Ellis, George Douglas, Earl Heath, Uyless Graham, C.B. Ellis, Deward
Hoskins, Glenn Rowe, Woodrow Gilbert, Willie Lee Partin, Edd Bray, H.V.
Lawson, J.E. Hatfield, David Carroll, Hiram Ellis, Lonnie Lyke, and Michael
Padgett.