Our History

The first worship service of St. Luke United Methodist Church was held in September 1976 in Woodhill Shopping Center. Marion (Woody) W. Church, Jr. was the pastor. The name was chosen as a reminder that this congregation would be an agent of healing in a hurting world as was Luke, the physician of the New Testament. There were 32 charter members and over 50 member by the end of 1977.

The first building, a multipurpose facility, was constructed on 6.4 acres at 141 Mount Tabor Road (Now 2351 Alumni Drive) in 1979. In 1985, G. Lindsey Davis was appointed senior pastor and in 1986 the new sanctuary was consecrated. Lindsey Davis became the Lexington District Superintendent and was later elected a Bishop of the United Methodist Church. In 1990, the education building was built. Rev. Eugene Strange was appointed as senior pastor in 1995. Dr. Stephen L. Martyn was appointed senior pastor of St. Luke in 1999. Stephen Martyn later went on to become a Professor of Leadership and Spirituality at Asbury Theological Seminary. In 2004, Rev. Debbie Wallace-Padgett was appointed senior pastor of St. Luke and the church continues to grow in God’s grace.

This brief look at the history of St. Luke serves as a reminder that God has a plan for this church. And with His purpose as our vision, we can be a light for the community and an agent of healing in a hurt world.