Central Presbyterian Church (Austin, Texas) facts for kids
Central Presbyterian Church is a historic church located in Austin, Texas. It's a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has been an important place for the community for many years.
The church is known for its helpful programs, community outreach, and fun cultural events. Since 1980, it has offered free concerts every week! It has even been a special location for the famous SXSW Music Festival since 2006.
History of Central Presbyterian Church
The story of Central Presbyterian Church began a long time ago, on October 13, 1839. This was when the very first Presbyterian worship service in Austin was held at a place called Bullock's hotel. The City of Austin itself was officially started just a few months later, on December 27, 1839.
A person named Abner Cook, who was a builder and an elder in the first Presbyterian church in Austin, was at that first service. He later helped get the land where the church stands today. This happened after the American Civil War caused a split in the Presbyterian Church.
A church building was finished on this spot in 1874. The current church building you see today was built much later, in 1957. In 1989, the Texas Historical Commission recognized it as an important historical site.
Church Name Changes
Over the years, the church has had a few different names. It was first known as Presbyterian Church (South). Later, it was called Southern Presbyterian Church, Free Presbyterian Church, and First Southern Presbyterian Church.
In 1983, the Northern and Southern branches of the Presbyterian Church joined together again to form the Presbyterian Church (USA). At that time, the church changed its name to Central Presbyterian Church, which it is still called today.
Important People and Community Impact
Many important people in Austin's history have been members of this church. These include:
- Governor Francis R. Lubbock
- William Sidney Porter, who is better known as the famous writer O. Henry
- U.S. Attorney General Thomas Watt Gregory
The Rev. Richmond Kelley Smoot was a pastor at the church from 1876 to 1905. He played a big role in the national church and helped develop the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Central Presbyterian Church has also helped start five other Presbyterian churches in Austin, showing its strong commitment to the community.
