Rev. Curtis Smith first pastor of First Christian Church of Danville, from 1843 – 1847, with an enrollment of 125 people. In 1847 the brick structure was completed and dedicated by Benjamin Franklin.

The original building burned in 1860 during the disastrous Washington’s Birthday fire that almost destroyed the entire town. With the difficult war years ahead it would be 1865 before a new building had reached completion. By 1867 this new church at 4^th and Walnut Street was ready for its dedication.

Dr. Samuel Ayers was virtually the only regular minister until Rev. J.S. Kendrick moved to Danville from Winchester in 1891, joined the church, and began to preach. He preached form 1891 to 1899.

Rev. Henry Clay Garrison was pastor from October 1, 1899 –1916. A forceful leader and good preacher, he is given much credit for the growth of the church into the new century with membership at 500 in 1910. In 1912, excavation began on a new church, which was completed in two years. The old church building was sold and made into apartments.

Rev. Horace Kingsburg was pastor from 1916 – 1918, Rev. William Henry Smith was pastor from 1918 – 1920, and Dr. Madison A. Hart was pastor from 1920 – 1940 and had the longest tenure of any preacher. Dr. Charles Stephenson was pastor from 1940 to June of 1943, when he was granted a leave of absence to serve as a chaplain in the US Navy. He returned in January 1946, and resign in 1947. Dr. Thomas J. Liggett was pastor from 1943 – 1945. Dr. Frank Rose was pastor from 1947 – 1951. Rev. James Lollis was pastor from 1951 – 1959. Dr. Lloyd Channels was pastor from 1960 – 1966.

 The beautiful new church at 462 West Main Street was a three story, buff brick, stately structure with a domed room. This downtown Danville landmark was to stand until March 16, 1965, when fire destroyed the building.

After this tragedy, church services were held throughout the community including Danville High School until a new church could be built. In 1966 the congregation purchased five acres on Lexington Road as a site for the new church. Membership during this interim period had grown from 645 to 761.

The first morning worship service was held on September 8, 1968 and the official dedication occurred on November 24, 1968. The new building is of Colonial design. The sanctuary seats 650. The organ, from the Moller organ company, has 18 ranks with 1086 pipes located behind arched window frames in the front of the church.

Pastors during this period-included Dr. Lloyd Channels (1960-66), Dr. Ivan Shelburne, Jr. (1966-76), Dr. William H. Hammonds (1977-1985).

Dr. Norman Hagley was install as pastor in 1986 where he served with distinguish until 2000. Rev. Caroline Bloomfield joined the staff as Associate minister in 1988.

Ground was broken for The Christian Life Center on 150^th anniversary of the First Christian Church on November 21, 1993. The Christian Life Center provides a gymnasium/community dining facility-seating 450, walking track, and a community meeting room that seats 50.

On August 1, 2001, Dr. Lance Perry as Senior Minister and Rev. Kristi Stuckel as Minister of Youth and Christian Education joined the staff.

On May 23, 2004, Dr. Lance Perry left as Senior Minister and on June 22, 2004, Dr. William (Bill) Curwood became the Interim Minister.

On June 1, 2005, Dr. Gerald (Jerry)  Lee Shepard became the Senior Minister.

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