Organizational History & Evolution

In 1804, Samuel Shannon organized the Lower Benson Church located near Bridgeport on lower Benson Creek. Shannon served both the Upper Benson and Lower Benson churches until his resignation in 1812.

When the Upper Benson Church dissolved in 1822, many of its members joined Lower Benson. Together in 1848, the combined congregation constructed a more modern building on the Louisville Turnpike near Bridgeport, renaming the body Franklin Church.

In 1873, the congregation severed ties with the Presbyterian Church of America and joined the Southern Presbyterian Church. As members increasingly moved into town, a new lot on Steele Street in Frankfort was purchased in 1880. The new house of worship was dedicated on June 3, 1884 as South Frankfort Presbyterian Church. Two years later, Franklin Church officially dissolved and merged into South Frankfort Presbyterian.

Growth quickly outpaced the initial Steele Street structure, leading to the erection of a new building on the site, dedicated on November 6, 1904. Following substantial fire damage on the morning of April 15, 1928, the church was reconstructed according to its original plans and rededicated on March 3, 1929.

Pastors, Supplies & Deacons

Ruling Elders (Organization to 1875)

Congregational Members (1804–1875)