The East Second Street Christian Church was organized by Thomas Phillips. The first worship service was held in April of 1851 in an old carriage factory, purchased by Brother Phillips, with the help of his former master, John Brand. Thirty-five male members were recorded on the church roll. Brother Phillips served the congregation faithfully until his death around 1859.

In 1874, the old carriage factory was torn down and a church building was erected in its place. This building stands today on West Fourth Street, between Limestone and Upper, with the inscription “…the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”

During the period 1874–1880, the congregation continued to grow to over three hundred members. On August 10, 1880, the present worship center on Constitution Street was purchased for $5,000. The building was partially destroyed by fire in November 1880, and was unoccupied for more than 20 years.
In 1915 many members left the congregation and founded the Prall Street Christian Church, which is now the Prall Street Church of Christ.

In 1952 the Rev. O.B. Garner became the shepherd of the flock and served 37 years as pastor.
The congregation entered a new era in the 90’s under the leadership of Rev. Raymond L. Brown, broadening the scope of community involvement and ecumenical relationships.

The building was again partially destroyed by fire in November 1996. The congregation held worship services for more that a year at the Lexington Theological Seminary. Many churches made their buildings available for the congregation's use during this time.

The congregation returned to a newly renovated building in March of 1998 under the interim pastorate of Rev. Dr. William Edwards. Rev. Dr. Ozark Range, Sr., Interim Pastor 1998-1999, assisted in preparing the congregation for spiritual growth under new leadership. As the congregation enters the new millenium, with the installation of its 20th Pastor, Rev. Donald K. Gillett, II, it continues to serve the community of Lexington, with the assurance that God never fails, and will provide for every need.

Senior Servants
Thomas Phillips 1851-1859
William Davis 1859-1864
Alexander Campbell 1864-1870
H.M. Dickerson 1871-1895
J.W. Spurgeon 1871-1895
W.M. Warmack 1895-1897
George Campbell 1897-1899
Minders Mace 1905-1907
A.W. Davis 1907-1911
William Martin 1912-1915
J. B. Parsons 1916-1918
T. R. Parsons 1918-1921
C. H. Dickerson 1921-1922
George Myers 1922-1925
F. F. Haynes 1940-1943
R.L. Saunders 1943-1951
O.B. Garner 1952-1989
Raymond L. Brown 1989-1997
Dr. Bill Edwards, Interim 1998
Dr. Ozark Range, Sr., Interim 1998-1999
Donald K. Gillett, II 1999-Present