Our History

1948 - 1952

The name 'Buechel' was taken from the name of the depot of the Southern Railroad at the crossing of Bardstown Road. Buechel was also the name of the inter-urban train stop that led to the Hoffman farm where families would picnic. Hoffman farm - now GE Appliance Park - is still standing today. 

In 1948, Methodist District Superintendent Baxter W. Napier Sr. sponsored a series of tent meetings in Buechel to determine the interest in the community for a future Methodist church. The favorable response expressed in these meetings led to the idea of establishing a mission church in the Buechel area. 

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October 26, 1952 marked the first service held for Buechel Methodist Church. The service was held in the auditorium of Hikes Graded School with 50 people in attendance. December 7, 1952 was designed to be Charter Sunday  for the reception of members. 54 charter members were received.​

1953 - 1956

In June of 1953, a 4-acre lot was purchased with the intentions of building Buechel's first church. According to construction records, the contractors built the shell of the building and did not include lighting, completed interiors, or even the separating walls included in the blueprint! Members and friends of the church worked hard to finish what had been left undone. The first worship service in the new (and better looking) church was hel on June 13, 1954. Later that year, Reverend Baxter Napier resigned as the leader of our congregation and L. Eugene (Gene) Sine was appointed soon after.

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During the period of Gene Sine's ministry, both the church membership and children attendance increased dramatically. Gene Sine retired from Buechel in 1955 due to illness. While it was unfortunate that the first two ministers of our church had brief tenures, these experiences resulted in a competent and take-charge laity that has been a leading characteristic of our congregation. Emil D. McAdams was appointed Minister in 1955 and served until 1956.

The first few years in our newly built building were quite eventful! A men's basketball team was organized and our membership hit 100 in 1953. When the church building was finished, many Sunday evening activities took place within our facilities. Worship, bible studies, study groups for children and youth, and even ice cream socials during summer months. 1955 through 1962 facilitated the growth of our church even more. The children's attendance continued to outgrow the Sunday School facilities as well as the adult congregation beginning to outgrow the original chapel. It was obvious a renovation was in order.

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1957 - 1969

The church continued to create new outreach programs within and outside of the church walls. Buechel United Methodist Church introduced their library in 1957, largely from the efforts of Albert Hotard. A Boy Scout Group (Troop #246) was also established this year, and continues to be a significant part of our church. Cub Scouts (Troop #246) and Girl Scouts (Troops #348, #379, and  #408) were also held in the church. With an emphasis placed on our children and youth outreach, Sunday school classes were accommodated where possible. Adult studies were held all over the church facilities on Sunday afternoon and evenings. 

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During this time, public preschool and kindergarten opportunities were limited or unavailable to many people. Many parents in the congregation desired a private kindergarten with a Christian emphasis in their teachings. The completion of later building expansions would create accommodations for this program, which went on until the mid-70s.

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Due to the quickly expanding congregation, our church facilities needed to be expanded. In 1956, ​an additional 4 acres of land ​were purchased and a 'Master Plan' featuring 5 phases of construction was visualized. This construction was estimated to accommodate a much larger congregation, include more study rooms and facilities, a large parking lot, and of course a larger and more accommodating sanctuary. In 1961, major construction for phase 1 of the Master Plan began. In 1962, the new sanctuary corner stone ground breaking was held. The consecration of the sanctuary was done during Sunday service on June 13, 1962.

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The leaders of our church changed a few times during this time. Reverend McAdams had been our pastor for 7 years in 1962, and it was traditional for a pastor to be re-appointed to a different church after a certain amount of time. The members of Buechel loved reverend Mcadams, and wanted him to continue to lead our church and be able to witness the completion of construction. After going to Conference to plea their case for keeping him, the only possible solution was if Hugh G. Allen, the lead musician of Buechel, was appointed in his place. Reverend Allen served our congregation for 2 years. Dr. William H. Poore was appointed in 1964, and worked with our congregation until his untimely passing in 1968.

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1970 - 1985   

Richard Ramsey was appointed Pastor of Buechel United Methodist Church and served from 1979 to 1984. After his retirement, Gene Lovell was appointed as our Pastor.  joining the extensive list of activities held in the church were 8 adult Sunday school classes, an active drama club that held frequent plays, and SEAM (Singles With Children) were all successful and thriving groups.  

1986-1990

Dr. N. Alex Rogers was appointed as our next pastor in 1986, and followed by Dr. Les Woodson in 1989. The implementation of the Methodist logo, the cross and flame was shown through all letterheads, advertisements, literature and mailings. The Narthex was