Our History

Located in the same sanctuary that was dedicated in 1911, First Presbyterian has seen many changes over the years. But as in the early 1900s when a cyclone threatened the livelihood of the congregation, this church has always had a strong spirit, based on Christian beliefs and the understanding that God has his hand on the works of the church. On June 14, 1899, the church was organized with D.L. Chestnutt as ruling elder and W.H. Harris as deacon. In November 1900, the congregation built and paid for a neat frame building located at the site that is now 210 N. Central Avenue.  Rev. J.B. Cochran was the first pastor, and the services were held the third and fifth Sundays each month.

     In the summer of 1906, the building was destroyed by a cyclone.  For a time, services were held in the school building and in neighboring churches. On April 23, 1911, a reorganization meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Y. Wallace.  The congregation numbered 21 charter members including Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Britt, Ruth P. Britt, Esther Lee Britt, Mary Chestnutt, Blanch Britt, I.A. Fulwood, B.Y. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Mansfield, Mr. and Mrs. David Comfort, Mrs. J.M. Price, Mrs. G.G. Davis,  Mrs. A.A. Jennings, Mrs. S.C. Bowyer and Eliza C. Tift.

          A building formerly owned by the First Baptist Church was bought, remodeled (the bell tower and second floor were removed), and made into an attractive church home. A dedication service was held April 26, 1914. An education building was completed in 1959 and the fellowship hall, named for members W. Bruce Donaldson Jr. and T.E. Decker, was dedicated in 1983. In 1989, the playground area and a parking lot were added. In 1994, the sanctuary was renovated with new carpet and pews. In the Spring of 2023, a revitalization movement began. The church has been undergoing renovations in all facilities including new lighting, new carpet in the sanctuary, painting of all buildings, new technology, a better social media presence and more.

      

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