Martin Luther King in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
First Presbyterian Church
Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 22, 2007
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
This church, founded June 21, 1840, by missionaries to the Cherokee Indians from the brainerd Mission and others, is Chattanooga's oldest with record of its founding date. During the Civil War, its building at 7th and Market streets was shelled by the Union Army and used as a hospital. During that time, the Reverend Thomas H. McCallie, pastor, ministered from his home one block west of here. Completed in 1910, this church building at the church's fifth location was designed by the noted New York firm of McKim, Mead, and White. (continued)
(Reverse)
In 1981, the Medical Arts building, erected in 1928, was added as a part of the church. This church began Chattanooga's first Sunday School, began many other Presbyterian churches in the area, and on January 17, 1926, while Dr. Joseph G. Venable was pastor, began a Sunday radio broadcast, among the longest running radio broadcasts in the United States. Three pastors- Dr. Jonathan W. Bachman, Dr. James L. Fowle, and Ben Haden - served over 120 years.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 100.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures
this page online
Location. 35° 2.764′ N, 85° 18.134′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Martin Luther King. It is on McCallie Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Medical Arts Building (a few steps from this marker); A Point in the Line of Works (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walden Hospital (about 300 feet away); The First Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); Caleb Isbester House (about 500 feet away); The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Impressions (approx. Ό mile away); Frances Willard House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.
Other markers no longer nearby. Site of Camp (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing); A point in the 2D Line of Works (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named A Point in the Line of Works (was about 800 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Site of Headquarters
Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 22, 2007
2. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 22, 2007
3. First Presbyterian Church - Sanctuary
Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 22, 2007
4. First Presbyterian Church - Medical Arts Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,168 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 14, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
