Madison Presbyterian Church was established in 1850, the original building on Main Street in the town of Madison was completed in 1852, due in part to Presbyterians in the community. Supplying the pulpit; however, proved to be a daunting task. For many decades, many supply ministers and student ministers shepherded the congregation. The centennial year (1950) welcomed renovations that included a Sunday school addition.
In 1965 Rev. Robert Martin was installed as pastor and served for three years. The church continued, sharing ministers with other churches. In-depth records of part-time, shared, and interim ministers can be found in the church’s Heritage Room.
In 1978 the Rev. Dr. John and Rev. Ginny Barksdale became the first husband-wife ministerial team in the presbytery when they accepted the call. They served Madison Presbyterian Church for 12 years. During these years, the original church building on Main Street was sold in 1984 and the congregation moved to a renovated stable on a 5 acre parcel off U.S. Rte. 29.
This 5 acre tract was purchased by Lexington Presbytery in 1967 for $15,000 and then deeded to the Trustees of Madison Presbyterian Church in 1974 when the church was moved to the Hanover Presbytery. Worship services and meetings were held in “The Stable” for two years while our church building was being constructed.
A one acre parcel of land, which adjoined the 5-acre church parcel, was donated by member Gladys Fishback. The manse was completed in 1969 and provided a home for the Barksdales from 1978 until 1981. The church we now occupy was completed and dedicated in 1986. After the sale of our manse in 1993 and a major fundraising campaign, the beloved “Stable” was replaced in 1998 with the current Fellowship Hall.
In 1990, the Rev. John Storey became our interim pastor. After a year as interim the Pastor Nominating Committee received permission to end its search allowing us to have the opportunity to contract Rev. Storey as our designated Stated Supply Pastor. He became our first full-time minister in 1996. Under Rev. Storey’s leadership there were numerous bible classes, celebrations, retreats, and a weekly Bible study.
2000 was Madison Presbyterian Church’s 150th anniversary. A homecoming celebration brought together many past congregants, relatives, and former ministers.
And in the early decades, as membership fluctuated, our financial situation also oscillated. Adjustments have had to be made throughout the church’s ongoing history. The congregants’ children grew up, graduated, and moved away. Many generations that had once sat in our pews were now out in the world, raising their families away from Madison. Activities were now becoming routine as many of us grew older; slowed but, still spirit filled.
Rev. Storey retired on April 29, 2019, his last service 29 years to the day after his first sermon at Madison Presbyterian Church.
We welcomed Rev. Lisa Salita, as Interim Pastor to our pulpit in January 2020, and she led us in our transition until October 2021.
The church family was excited to begin a new season on September 1, 2022 when we welcomed Rev. Karen Allamon as our new pastor. We look forward to a time of spiritual growth so we can continue to bring God’s Love and Hope to Life.