Some facts about the history and ministry of First Presbyterian Church

In the spring of 1827 a group of thirteen people (including Lowell Mason, noted organist and hymnwriter) requested to be dismissed from Independent Presbyterian Church in order to form a congregation that would have ties with the great body of Presbyterian churches in the United States. They became the first Presbyterian church in the city to be affiliated with the Presbytery of Georgia. The minutes recording the Presbytery action are dated June 6, 1827.

The group met for a few years at Lyceum Hall on Broughton Street near Bull Street. Then in 1834, they built their first meeting house, a simple frame structure, a few blocks west on Broughton Street. But soon the growing membership sought a building site in a residential area of the city.

So in the 1850's, First Church considered relocating on Chippewa Square. Finally they bought a lot on the east side of Monterey Square. In 1854 the congregation hired John S. Norris, architect, to design new house of worship. It was a handsome Gothic-inspired edifice of stucco over brick. A large central bell tower above the front entrance was the facade's focal point. (The building later burned, and the United Way building stands there today.)

Even though the new structure's foundation was laid in 1857, the winds of war were approaching and times were hard, so construction was halted. During the War Between the States, their minister, David H. Porter served as a chaplain in the Confederate army and services were held intermittently for the congregation.

In the meantime, a Savannah merchant named William G. Foote died and left his estate to the congregation. Due to the war his bequest greatly depreciated and yet the $19,600 that was finally received largely paid for the construction of the Monterey Square building. Today the annual Foote Lecture Series remembers his generosity.

The Monterey Square building was dedicated in June 1872. According to church records, "The Church was brilliantly lighted with two of Finks electro-gas reflectors . . . and the carpeting and upholstery were done by the well-known house of Messrs. Schwartz and Brady, and this is sufficient guarantee that it is done in the best style."

It was here that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of United States held its national meetings in 1876 and 1909. This period of their history is also interesting since across Taylor Street on Monterey Square sat its architectural twin, the Gothic-styled building of Congregation Mickve Israel. Cordial interfaith relations continue today between the two congregations.

In the 1920's, First Church again decided to relocate. This time they looked further south, towards the new suburb of Ardsley Park. They bought a large tract of land on Washington Avenue, facing what was called Tiedemann Park, on Atlantic Avenue. Over the next 30 years, the church built its large sprawling edifice, built mostly of Tennessee sandstone.

The sanctuary, dedicated in December 1956, was designed by Francis P. Smith, of Atlanta. Stained-glass memorial windows flanking the sides picture scenes from the Bible. Two pairs of smaller windows flank the front entrance. They portray four important church leaders of the Reformation: Hus, Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox.

The sanctuary's interior, finished predominately in oak paneling and wainscot, features a spacious nave with cathedral ceiling and Gothic motifs. The central pulpit, communion table and other pulpit furniture are from their years on Monterey Square. There are two magnificent examples of stained glass--the Passion Window above the chancel area, and the Resurrection Window above the front entrance.

Over the years their ministers have included Dr. Benjamin Morgan Palmer, first Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and Dr. Charles Colcock Jones, who is remembered for his evangelical and educational work among blacks in the 1840's and 1850's.

First Church played an important role in planting new churches including the Avondale Mission Church, the Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church and the Skidaway Island Community Church and provided leadership organizing a Presbytery camp at Hilton Head.

Whether supporting Thornwell Home near to home or mission workers overseas, the congregation has an impressive record of outreach ministry. More recently, they continue to address local concerns of basic human need through such community groups as Habitat for Humanity, Emmaus House and the Union Mission.

For a more detailed account refer to The History of The First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Georgia written by Clarence and Dorothy Williams. Savannah: Kennickell Printing Company, 1977.