First Presbyterian Church (Augusta, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
First Presbyterian Church of Augusta
|
|
_May_2017.jpg)
First Presbyterian Church in 2017
|
|
 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 642 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Built | 1812 |
| Architect | Robert Mills |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000100 |
| Added to NRHP | February 21, 1997 |
The First Presbyterian Church is an old and important church in Augusta, Georgia, in the United States. You can find it at 642 Telfair Street. It is a Presbyterian church with a long history.
Contents
The Church's Story
The church began in 1804. Its main building was finished in 1812. Even before the building was ready, members helped start another church in Smyrna in 1808.
A group called the Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society started collecting donations in 1825. This group was one of the very first of its kind in the world! They helped support missionaries in other countries.
A President's Family Connection
Did you know a United States president's father was a minister here? Woodrow Wilson's father, Joseph R. Wilson, served as the minister at First Presbyterian from 1858 to 1870. The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home, where young Woodrow grew up, is also nearby in Augusta.
In 1861, during the American Civil War, the church hosted a very important meeting. It was the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States. President Wilson's father became the first minister in this new church group.
During the Civil War
The church building played a special role during the Civil War. It was used as a hospital for soldiers who were hurt. The churchyard even became a camp for Union prisoners after the Battle of Chickamauga. Sadly, some soldiers who died were buried in the Magnolia Cemetery.
During this time, Joseph Wilson also served as a chaplain in the army. He later moved to South Carolina in 1870 to work at a seminary, which is a school for training ministers.
Growing and Helping Others
The church has always been involved in its community. In 1972, the Westminster Schools of Augusta started. This school now has over 500 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
First Presbyterian Church also holds an annual missions conference. This event is like a special gathering for missionaries and their families. It also lets people in Augusta learn about important work happening around the world.
In 1973, First Presbyterian decided to become independent from the Southern Presbyterian Church. This happened because of different ideas about how the church should be run and what the Bible teaches. In 1977, it joined the Presbyterian Church in America.
About the Church Building
.jpg)
The church building itself has a rich history. It was designed by a famous architect named Robert Mills. He was also a Presbyterian and helped lead a church in Columbia, South Carolina.
The main part of the church, called the sanctuary, was built between 1809 and 1812. It was first designed in a Classical style. Later, in 1847, it was changed to include Romanesque features. These changes included round-arched windows and doors. Even with these updates, Mills' original design is still clear in the building's shape.
Inside the church, you can find a special plaque. It marks the pew where the Wilson family used to sit. Some furniture and a letter signed by President Wilson are also kept in a classroom.
Over the years, more parts were added to the building. Four halls were built on the sides and back of the sanctuary between 1951 and 1978. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 21, 1997. This means it is recognized as an important historic site. The church celebrated its 200th birthday in 2004!
What the Church Believes
First Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church in America.
The church follows important statements of faith. These include the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Shorter Cathechism, and the Westminster Larger Catechism. These documents explain what Presbyterians believe.
The church has about 1,900 members. The lead pastor is Rev. Michael K. Hearon.
