The History of
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

A History of Faith and Resilience

1810 – 1858 · Frontier Origins

Our history begins on the Tennessee frontier in 1810. In Dickson County, a group of believers broke from the formal traditions of their parent church to form a new movement, the Cumberland Presbyterians. Their focus was practical and direct: to serve the spiritual needs of scattered settlements in a growing nation. They emphasized a heartfelt message over classical education, commissioning circuit-riding preachers to carry the gospel to remote communities.

By 1820, these ministers were traveling the rough paths of West Tennessee's Western District. They met with settlers, established small congregations, and laid the groundwork for a permanent church in Jackson. The formation of the Hopewell Presbytery in nearby McLemoresville in 1824 provided crucial organization and support for these emerging faith communities.

1858 – 1872 · A Foundation in a Railroad Town

The arrival of the Memphis & Ohio Railroad in 1858 transformed Jackson into a growing hub. Recognizing the opportunity, the Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church prioritized establishing a formal congregation to serve the influx of new residents.

For twelve years, a small but dedicated group met for prayer and worship in rented halls. In 1870, with 44 charter members, the congregation raised an impressive $4,500 to purchase a lot on College Street. By 1872, they had completed their first building: a simple, white-painted frame sanctuary that became a spiritual home for railroaders, merchants, and local families.

1893 – 1914 · Growth and a New Vision

As Jackson prospered, our church grew with it. The modest frame chapel soon became too small for the expanding congregation. With foresight, the church leadership acquired a prominent corner lot at College and Cumberland for a more ambitious structure. In 1896, they dedicated a new, Gothic-style brick sanctuary. Built at a cost of $20,000, its impressive design and stained-glass windows were a testament to the congregation's growth and commitment to the city.

February 16, 1914 · A Trial by Fire

Tragedy struck on a bitterly cold winter night. During a revival service, a fire broke out in the sanctuary. The situation turned dire as the city's firefighters discovered the hydrants were frozen solid in the record -7°F temperature. Helpless against the blaze, the congregation and community could only watch. By morning, the building was destroyed, leaving only a shell of charred brick.

1914 – 1916 · An Unbroken Spirit

The loss of a building did not mean the loss of the church. The congregation’s spirit proved resilient. For the next two years, they found temporary homes for worship, first in the public library and later in the Madison County Courthouse. These gatherings affirmed that the church was its people, not its walls.

With unwavering determination, the members rebuilt on the very same corner. On June 5, 1916, they dedicated a new sanctuary on the footprint of the old, its construction a powerful symbol of their perseverance.

1985 – Present · Following the Community

By the 1980s, Jackson's primary growth had shifted eastward. In March 1985, facing this new reality, the church made the pivotal decision to follow its members rather than its memories. After a successful vote to relocate, we opened the doors to our current campus in 1988. This modern facility was designed not just for Sunday worship, but for a seven-day-a-week ministry of fellowship and community service.

Who We Are Today

Now a member of the Cornerstone Presbytery, our church continues to be led by a pastor and nine rotating elders chosen from the congregation. More than two centuries after our founding, our core mission remains unchanged: to meet people where they are, to share the gospel in a clear and relevant way, and to build a community of faith strong enough to withstand any challenge—from frozen hydrants to the trials of modern life.