Our History
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As Presbyterians, we
trace our history back to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. First
Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, Mississippi, was organized in 1846 under the leadership
of the Rev. Robert M. Morrison. From its beginning our church had a close association with
the Methodists. The early church was a Union Church in which the Methodists conducted
the services two Sundays each month and the Presbyterians the other two. The early
building was located on the corner of Market and George Streets and was owned by both
congregations. The combined Presbyterian and Methodist worship services continued until
1886. |
In 1887,
the original building was sold and moved; a new building was erected on the original site
and the first service was held in 1889. The congregation worshiped in this building
from 1889-1903. When that building was destroyed by a fire, Jewish friends offered
their Synagogue as a place for local Presbyterians to worship. At this time, there
were 140 communicants on roll.
The cornerstone for the third church building was laid in
1904. Construction was completed in 1905. In 1926, it was renovated, complete
with a Moeller pipe organ. The following years were financially difficult due to the
Depression. Due to the labor and dedication of its members, First Presbyterian's
mortgage was paid and the church building was dedicated on November 19, 1944.
The church celebrated its Centennial year in 1946 at which
time there were 743 communicants on roll. Because of the growing membership, a new
educational building was constructed in 1956. In 1986, the building was named the Van
M. Arnold Educational Building in honor of the pastor at the time of its
construction. A week-day kindergarten began in 1959. The next project was a
renovation of the older church building in 1960. The McIntyre family members donated
a bell for the church tower from Greenbriar Plantation in memory of their father and
grandfather. In 1969, a weekly newsletter was first mailed to members.
Throughout the years, numerous changes and improvements
were made as First Presbyterian continued its growth. In 1971, an elementary school
was begun in the educational building and continued to operate until 1975. The
Wednesday Club, a luncheon club for older members, met from 1972-1996. In 1973, a new
Casavant pipe organ was installed in the sanctuary. The organ provided the
foundation for future additions that were made in 1991 and 1997.) The congregation purchased a
neighboring building in 1977 which was used for local scouting groups. This structure
was totally remodeled and named the Lolla Boyd Parish Youth Center in 1989. In 1983,
St. Andrew's Presbytery voted in favor of reuniting with the northern church, thus forming
the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. Although this marked a sign of change,
improvements continued, including the donation of a new Casavant organ console by Mr. and
Mrs. L. B. Jones and a complete renovation of the sanctuary which was completed in 1991.
In 1996, First Presbyterian celebrated its 150 years with
a sesquicentennial celebration. A special service was held jointly with the First
United Methodist congregation in remembrance of our common history as a Union Church from
1846-1886. Leaders from both churches led the worship and children portrayed characters
from our early church history.
Throughout the years, several groups of our congregation
have met faithfully, including the Ushers' Guild, the Men's Prayer Breakfast, Presbyterian
Women, and the Presbyterian Youth Fellowship. Through the live Nativity scene and the
Singing Christmas Tree we are able to share the Christmas story with our community. |
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| A special service
is held each year in celebration of the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian
Church. This "Kirkin o' the Tartans" is a remembrance of the early church
in Scotland and includes a bagpiper, a processional of family tartans, and a
"blessing of the tartans". |
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Renovation 2008
During 2008 a
major renovation/restoration project was undertaken by the
church. Our 1904 sanctuary building had housed the church
parlor in the sanctuary space since the 50s. When the
parlor was created back then, a dropped ceiling was installed
which covered up the original ceiling with its wooden beams, as
well as the two stained glass windows that adorned the exterior
walls of the sanctuary.
In 2008 the
dropped ceiling was removed and the ceiling restored. A
new hardwood floor was installed as well as new HVAC systems.
A complete Viking Range kitchen was also part of this
renovation.
In 2009 work will
be completed on two additional stained glass windows for the
room, as well as six small stained glass windows in the two
entrance foyers.
The room is now
used for a multitude of events; receptions, luncheons, concerts
and an alternative worship space.
Click an image
below to see a larger picture.
Renovation 2001
In the summer of 2001, a major
renovation of the Van M. Arnold Education Building was completed. The transformation
was truly astounding! Pictured below are some of the members of the Renovation Committee,
whose guidance and hard work made great things happen!
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We now enjoy
cheerful and modern classrooms, an up-to-date & fully-equipped kitchen, a roomy and
bright fellowship hall, and a beautiful courtyard. A new sidewalk with a handicap ramp has
also been added near the front of the sanctuary. Click on
the thumbnails below to view some of the renovations. |
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| The members of
First Presbyterian Church are proud of our heritage and the faithful members who have
built and maintained this church in the past. We presently have over 400 members and
are growing! Like those before us, we strive to continue to serve and worship God
with our time, talents, and prayers. |
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