History
The Watterson Trail Church of Christ officially held its first service in their new building on Sunday, December 10, 1995. The congregation was born from two congregations of the Lords people. The Taylor Boulevard and Bardstown Road Churches of Christ merged and formed the Watterson Trail Church of Christ.
Both the Bardstown Road and the Taylor Boulevard congregations have had a rich and productive history. They helped to establish other congregations within the city of Louisville and other places as well. However, both congregations were in a state of steady decline due in part to their locations.
When Taylor Boulevard decided to relocate, they began to ask sister congregations if they would be interested in joining in this effort. While others within the city wished them well, they declined to relocate. When Bardstown Road was approached it was discovered that they were also looking to relocate to another area. The two congregations agreed to sell both buildings and find a new location.
The Taylor Boulevard congregation had their last service June 25, 1995. After that the members all met at the Bardstown Road building. On December 3, 1995 the last service was held at Bardstown Road. Then on December 10, 1995, even though the building was not yet completed, the combined congregations met at their new building at 9607 Watterson Trail. The Christian attitude demonstrated throughout the merger process fostered tremendous joy and gratitude to God for His providential care through the whole effort.
Because of the crowded conditions on Sunday mornings, plans were made in 2004 to remove the walls to the classrooms on each side of the auditorium. This renovation made ample room in the auditorium but left the congregation in need of Bible classrooms. In 2005 two classrooms were built in the center of the fellowship hall and three open classrooms with moveable walls were built. Additionally, the parking lot area was expanded. The congregation also purchased the adjoining 2.5 acre property. The house was demolished but the two story concrete garage was salvaged. The congregation now has six acres of property available for expansion.
The building currently has a seating capacity of about 250 in the auditorium and has five classrooms, nursery, large fellowship room and kitchen. The building is located in one of the fastest growing regions in Louisville and Jefferson County.
As part of the church's Outreach Ministry, the Elders approved the Scouting program in the fall of 2003. The Lincoln Heritage Council for the Boy Scouts of America chartered Cub Scout Pack 454 on Scout Sunday, February 8, 2004. The American Heritage Girls chartered Troop KY0454 on April 10, 2007. This ministry's purpose is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.
Additionally, the church is actively involved in supporting missions in India and West Africa. Regular support is given to Potter Childrens Home & Family Ministries as well as Childplace. The church participates in regular community service projects such as Red Cross blood drives and also operates an active Food Pantry and Local Benevolence Program. Furthermore, the church is very involved with a Prison Ministry.
Those who are making history seldom realize it at the time. Usually they are too busy working to give pause to the long-range impact of what they are doing. Maybe those who have worked so hard to make this congregation a reality have not stopped working long enough to reflect upon the magnitude of the task that was before them. Maybe if they would have stopped long enough to do that they would have been overwhelmed and given up. Thankfully, those leaders stayed true to their vision and persevered.
Though relatively young the Watterson Trail Church of Christ has a rich heritage and vibrant history. We know the Lord will continue to abundantly bless us as we seek to serve Him faithfully. Indeed, we are RICHLY BLESSED!
Currently, the church is shepherded by four Elders: Bruce Fowler, David McMurtry, Chuck Richardson, and Keith Thomas. There are five Deacons who serve in various ministry capacities: Denny Tennill, Skip Jennings, Lee Mivelaz, Bill Ferrell,and Bill Zeitz. The Office Manger is Amanda Merideth. The Preaching & Teaching Minister is Paul Merideth who came to Watterson Trail with his family in November of 2006.
