Downtown in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Downtown Presbyterian Church

American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009

1. Downtown Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription.
From 1814 to 1955 this was the site of the First Presbyterian Church. President Andrew Jackson was received into the church in 1838. James K. Polk was inaugurated governor here in 1839. The building designed in the Egyptian style by William Strickland, architect of the State Capitol, was dedicated in 1851. When the First Church moved, the Downtown Church was organized.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 78, 95.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites, the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk, the National Historic Landmarks, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.

Location. 36° 9.788′ N, 86° 46.801′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Ave N and Church St, on the right when traveling north on 5th Ave N. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Downtown Presbyterian Church II (here, next to this marker); The Downtown Presbyterian Church I

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(a few steps from this marker); Maxwell House Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarah Estell (within shouting distance of this marker); Nashville Sit-Ins (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fourth and Church (about 400 feet away); Tennessee Ornithological Society (about 600 feet away); John Robert Lewis (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Regarding Downtown Presbyterian Church. The Downtown Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This church is also one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered between 1973 and 2003 by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), headquartered in Philadelphia. Approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvin’s seal and the site’s registry number (PHS marker location unknown).

The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website:

Organized in 1814 by Gideon Blackburn, the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville was the first Christian church in the city of Nashville.
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009

2. Downtown Presbyterian Church Marker
West side of the NW corner of the building
The present building, dedicated in 1851, is the third on the site. Designed by William Strickland, it is one of the best remaining examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States. Presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk worshipped here. In 1955 the majority of the First Church congregation relocated. The remaining members purchased the property and the Downtown Presbyterian Church was organized.

Also see . . . Downtown Presbyterian Church, Nashville. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009

3. Downtown Presbyterian Church Marker

National Historic Landmark image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009

4. National Historic Landmark

The Downtown Presbyterian Church has been designated a National Historical Landmark
This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America
1993 National Park Service United States Department of the Interior
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form:
Click for more information.

Downtown Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 11, 2012

5. Downtown Presbyterian Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,269 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 4, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on September 2, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.