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
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: Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. 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. It 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
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once 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: The Downtown Presbyterian Church II (here, next to this marker); The Downtown Presbyterian Church I (a few steps from this marker); First Masonic Hall (within shouting distance of 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.
Another marker is no longer nearby.
Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009
2. Downtown Presbyterian Church Marker
West side of the NW corner of the building
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 Calvins seal and the sites 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. 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
Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 20, 2009
3. Downtown Presbyterian Church Marker
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
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.
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.
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 1,550 times since then and 22 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.
