Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church
History
The Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest church buildings in Warren County. It was built in 1847 for the First Christian Church in the Greek Revival style. In 1897 it was sold to the Negro Cumberland Presbyterian Church and in 1926, after united with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., was given its current name in remembrance of Cecelia Lillard, one of the founders of the church. Alterations to the church include removal of a steeple and replacement of sash windows with the present stained glass, pointed arch windows.
After being freed from slavery, Cecelia Lillard held weekly prayer meetings in her home on the east side of Bridge Street, now College Street. Her desire was for “a church of our own” instead of being limited to the rear of a church during the days of slavery. Her prayers were answered, and this church, with doors that were never closed, thrived. A heartwarming Sunday morning sight was Mother Cecelia, as she was affectionately called, with the neighborhood children trudging along with her to Sunday school after seeing to it that their clothes were clean and shoes polished. After many years of service to the church, “Mother Cecelia” was called to rest in 1915 at the age of 109.
Hearsay
One of the most memorable members of the church
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Women. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky, Bowling Green Heritage Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 36° 59.711′ N, 86° 26.37′ W. Marker is in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in Warren County. Marker is on College Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bowling Green KY 42101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lower College Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Standard Filling Station No. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Modern Automotive District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); An African American Neighborhood (about 500 feet away); Residential Architecture (about 500 feet away); College Street Commercial Development (about 500 feet away); 422 1/2 Main Street (about 600 feet away); Morris Jewelry (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowling Green.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2019, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 12, 2019, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.