First Presbyterian Church

 The history of the First Presbyterian Church in Athens dates back more than a century.  Founded as a Cumberland Presbyterian Church in May of 1855, the church united with the Northern Church in 1907 to become a Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., in 1959.  The church has constructed several building since it began here more tha 110 years ago.  The first permanent building was constructed in 1881 but the congregation which had nembered only nine in 1855 had increased so much by 1903 that a new and larger building was needed.  The present church building was dedicated on June 9, 1910, having been built at a cost of $30,000.  An annex was added to the church building in 1921 at the urging of the women of the church, who foresaw the future growth of the congregation.  The annex was built south of the sanctuary and was used for about 25 years, until the Educational Building replaced it.  In 1948, the church plant was again enlarged to ease the growing pains. Construction was begun in 1947 and the Educational Building was completed in December of 1948.  Total evaluation of the entire church plant is now approximately $150,000.  Minister of the church is the Rev. W.F. Rogan, who resides at the manse, located at 734 E. Corsicana.  Serving the church as Sunday School superintendent is Raymond Jewell.  Mrs. William T. Morrison is church secretary and James H. Fulton serves as church treasurer.  Mrs. Tommy Downing is the choir director and Mrs. E.C. Lehr is the new orgainst.  E.H. Gatlin, Jr. is president of the men's organization and Mrs. F.L. Robbins heads the women's group.  The principal ruling body of the church is the Session, headed by the pastor, R.A. Underdown is clerk of the Session.  Other members of the Session are F.L. Robbins, W.W. Clawson, R.A. Underdown, Dr. N.D. Geddie, Sr., E.W. Horton, George W. Collins and Eugene Spencer.  The board of deacons consists of Dennis Spellman, chairman, Bill Beaird, secretary-treasurer; and James Grant, Parker Smith, Butler Hurley, Haskell Gamble, J.D. Horton, Raymond Jewell, and Frank Johns.

Source:  Athens Weekly Review, September 1965.

Submitted by Peggy Trammell Allen, November 2004

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