Andalusia in Covington County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
First Presbyterian Church
Oldest Church Building In Andalusia
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 7, 2025
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Organized on December 5, 1901, by nine members who met in the old Methodist Church on Church Street. D.A. McArtan was elected as first deacon and N. H. McDonald first elder. During the early years, the church met in the old courthouse, First National Bank, and the Opera House on the corner of Pear and South Three Notch Streets. In 1905, the Caton, Gantt, and Freirson families from River Falls Presbyterian Church merged with the Andalusia group, bringing pews, a pump organ, and establishing the present-day church. The first Sunday School was also organized in 1905. D. A. McArtan and his business partner D.A. McRainey donated the lot on which the current building stands.
Construction on the current building, with its Akron-plan layout and iconic stained glass window, began in 1908; the building was dedicated in 1914. The first minister was F.C. Hartman. An organ purchased in 1929 is still in use today. Many of the church's furnishings were handcrafted by Andalusia's Southern Craftsman Furniture Company. Additions in 1949, 1972, and 2003 enlarged the facility. The congregation is a part of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, and has been in both the John Knox Presbytery and the Presbytery of South Alabama. Its members continue to uphold Christ's teachings while contributing
this page online
Erected 2018 by the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is December 5, 1901.
Location. 31° 18.364′ N, 86° 28.989′ W. Marker is in Andalusia, Alabama, in Covington County. It is on South 3 Notch Street south of Dunson Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Andalusia AL 36420, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Wiregrass. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, 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: History of the Library / Andalusia Post Office becomes Public Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bank of Andalusia National Historic Place (about 600 feet away); First National Bank Building (about 700 feet away); Andalusia becomes the County Seat / Andalusia Railroad Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Courthouse Clock Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Three Notch Road / Hank and Audrey Williams (approx. 0.2 miles away); Andalusia City Hall / Three Notch School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Covington County War Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Andalusia.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 7, 2025
2. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 7, 2025
3. First Presbyterian Church & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 7, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
