Abner Cook, who went on to build many famous houses in Austin, such as the Governor's Mansion, the Neill-Cochran House, and the Pease Mansion, built that first church in Austin, a small wooden building on the SE corner of Lavaca and Bois d'Arc (now 7th Street), which stood until 1844, when a tornado destroyed it. After several years of meeting in various locations, Cook rebuilt a wooden frame church at the original location in 1850.
Not long after Texas joined the Union in 1845, the United States and Presbyterians became a country and a church divided. When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, Southern states began to secede from the Union, and Texas joined that secession movement on March 16, 1861, which is said to have broken Sam Houston's heart. On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began. The presbytery of Central Texas had dissolved its connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., and the Southern Assembly was formed in late 1861. The conflict of the war left many with bitter feelings toward those who had supported the other side. In 1866, a minority of 13 members left First Presbyterian Church, and maintained allegiance to the Central Texas Presbytery and the Southern Assembly. That division lasted 123 years (until 1983). It was at this time in history, after years of discussion, the northern and southern denominations of the Presbyterian Church voted to approve unification.
Rev. Richard A. Thompson (1986-1995) arrived, saw that the church was surrounded by tall buildings, and felt that the church must heighten its profile and let their light shine. Thompson initiated a capital improvements program, community outreach programs, banners over 8th St, and the historical marker that stands in the courtyard today (pictured below). He broadcast a series on public affairs known as "Austin Faith Dialogue". Then came the mid-80s, with a state-wide recession known as the "Oil Bust."
Rev. Greg McDonell was called as the new pastor in January 1997. Under his leadership, the church has grown again, and is well-known for its welcoming and mission spirit. The Interfaith Arts Festival and the church music programs are important parts of the character of Central. Under Greg's leadership, the Mission Statement Deliberately Diverse and Fully Inclusive was adopted, and Central's story is an ongoing one of family and creativity. Many great years of exciting service to the city and to the Lord lie ahead!
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| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Inscription:
This congregation traces its roots to October 13, 1839, when Austin’s first Presbyterian worship service was held at Bullock’s Hotel. Present that day was builder Abner Cook, elder in the first Presbyterian church organized in Austin. He helped acquire this property for the Presbyterian Church (South) following a post-Civil War split in the church. A sanctuary was completed on the site in 1874.
This congregation was known in later years as Southern Presbyterian Church, the Free Presbyterian Church, First Southern Presbyterian Church, and Central Presbyterian Church. It has counted among its members many individuals important in the life of the denomination and the City of Austin, including Gov. Francis R. Lubbock; William Sidney Porter (O. Henry); A.N. and Jane Y. McCallum; Dr. George Clark and Rebecca Kilgore Stuart Red; and U.S. Attorney General Thomas Watt Gregory. The Rev. Richmond Kelley Smoot played an important role in the national denomination and in the development of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
This congregation was instrumental in organizing five Presbyterian churches in Austin. It continues a program of ministry, outreach, and cultural events.
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| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Erected:
1988
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| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Location:
200 E 8th St, Austin TX 78701
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