Danville in Boyle County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Presbyterian Church
American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site
One of three founded, 1784, by Reverend David Rice; earliest of this denomination west of Alleghenies. Here worshipped: James G. Birney, whose presidential candidacy in 1844 caused defeat of Henry Clay; John C. Breckinridge, whose 1860 candidacy resulted in election of Lincoln; Samuel D. Burchard, whose "Rum, Romanism and Rebellion" defeated James G. Blaine in 1884.
Erected 1964 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 754, 130.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1784.
Location. 37° 38.767′ N, 84° 46.656′ W. Marker is in Danville, Kentucky, in Boyle County. Marker is on West Main Street (U.S. 150), on the left when traveling west. East of Centre College. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 West Main Street, Danville KY 40422, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Todd Stuart, 1807-1885 (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Ephraim McDowell, 1771-1830 / McDowell-Crawford Surgery (within shouting distance of this marker); C.S.A. 1861 - 1865 (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Carnegie (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sinking Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away); School for the Deaf (approx. 0.2 miles away); Centre College (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Uncle" Charlie Moran (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Regarding Presbyterian Church. The Danville Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. 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:
Founded in 1784 by Rev. David Rice, Danville Church is the oldest Presbyterian church in Kentucky. First located in a log meeting house on the Danville public square, the church moved to its current site in 1788. The present building, constructed in 1831, has undergone numerous renovations and additions. Two candidates for president of the United States, James Birney and John C. Breckinridge, worshiped here. The adjacent cemetery contains the graves of some of the earliest settlers of Danville, including David Rice.
Also see . . . Danville Presbyterian Church. Explore Kentucky history website entry (Submitted on February 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 21, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.