Roswell First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church was organized in Roswell on September 3, 1899. The initial membership numbered twenty-two. The first worship service happened on October 22, 1899, in an adobe building on north Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Reverend M. Gardner served as missionary pastor until 1901, during which time land was purchased at the corner of Third and Pennsylvania for a building. The first service to be held in the new sanctuary, in March of 1901, was a dedication service with the Reverend R.M. Craig presiding.
Westminster Hall was built to the east of the main building with dedication of the structure held November 28, 1924. The Patterson home on the corner of Third and Kentucky was purchased in 1930 for use by church school and small group meetings. It was named the John Knox House.
On January 25, 1932, the original building at Third and Pennsylvania was totally destroyed by fire. The Women’s Club building was used for worship during the next five years. John Knox House was demolished on July 30, 1936. Dr. Leroy Thompson was the pastor of FPC at the time of the dedication of the present building on September 26, 1937. The art glass windows designed and built by Ludwg Von Gerichten were dedicated on December 10, 1937. The Christian Education wing was completed in September of 1953 while Dr. F. Homer Tegler was pastor.
In May of 1983 an expansion program was started which provided a larger sanctuary, new Fellowship Hall and parlor, modern and efficient offices, a library, thirteen new and refurbished classrooms, and a room for the music department. These facilities were dedicated on September 9, 1984.
This history is chiefly a story centering around the buildings. The real story of Roswell First Presbyterian is to be found in the lives of all the saints who have served and continue to serve Christ in this church.
The Reverend M. Gardner served as missionary pastor until 1901, during which time land was purchased at the corner of Third and Pennsylvania for a building. The first service to be held in the new sanctuary, in March of 1901, was a dedication service with the Reverend R.M. Craig presiding.
Westminster Hall was built to the east of the main building with dedication of the structure held November 28, 1924. The Patterson home on the corner of Third and Kentucky was purchased in 1930 for use by church school and small group meetings. It was named the John Knox House.
On January 25, 1932, the original building at Third and Pennsylvania was totally destroyed by fire. The Women’s Club building was used for worship during the next five years. John Knox House was demolished on July 30, 1936. Dr. Leroy Thompson was the pastor of FPC at the time of the dedication of the present building on September 26, 1937. The art glass windows designed and built by Ludwg Von Gerichten were dedicated on December 10, 1937. The Christian Education wing was completed in September of 1953 while Dr. F. Homer Tegler was pastor.
In May of 1983 an expansion program was started which provided a larger sanctuary, new Fellowship Hall and parlor, modern and efficient offices, a library, thirteen new and refurbished classrooms, and a room for the music department. These facilities were dedicated on September 9, 1984.
This history is chiefly a story centering around the buildings. The real story of Roswell First Presbyterian is to be found in the lives of all the saints who have served and continue to serve Christ in this church.