First Christian Church in Berea was founded by the Rev. John G. Fee, an abolitionist minister who established his home here in 1854. Fee was also the founder of Berea College and Union Church located on the eastern edge of the college campus. In 1895, Fee established the community's second church, the "Church of Christ at Berea, Kentucky." Locally known as "Second Church," a building was erected on the western edge of the college campus. After going through several different names, the church officially became the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1960.
While the building housing our sanctuary has been remodeled several times, the original frame building is underneath the brick veneer. The church's belltower contains John Fee's "Freedman's Bell." According to tradition, Fee used the bell while he was preaching and teaching at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. The sound of the bell signaled the beginning of class and worship for African-American soldiers.
