Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

First Presbyterian Church (USA)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 2, 2020

1. First Presbyterian Church (USA) Marker

Inscription. This church was formed in 1853 by the Tuscumbia Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The first building, located on the southeast corner of Bank and Church streets in Decatur, was a single story, plastered and painted structure with large windows and a brick foundation. The Civil War interrupted services, and in 1864 the building was dismantled by the Union Army along with most of Decatur.

After the Civil War, the congregation worshipped with the Methodists in a log structure used as a church and school. Rev. Alexander Penland and others assisted in the reformation of this Presbyterian Church and by 1873 a small frame church was built on this site. The Presbyterian Church of Decatur was incorporated in 1903.

The first brick structure was erected in 1904, and the current Christopher Wren sanctuary was constructed in 1953 with additional expansion in 1978.

Since 1853, this congregation has worked to fulfill its mission to "make disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God, love one another, and serve the world."

Erected 2018 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 34° 36.656′ N, 86° 59′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan County. Marker is at the intersection of Oak Street Northeast and Vine Street Northeast, on the right when traveling south on Oak Street Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Oak Street Northeast, Decatur AL 35601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); “A Hard Nut To Crack” - Federal Defenses at Decatur (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); To Commemorate the Passage of The Olympic Torch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Decatur Historic District / Old State Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Downtown/Founders Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Decatur (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 2, 2020

2. First Presbyterian Church (USA) Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.