Fordyce in Dallas County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
First Presbyterian Church
The first Presbyterian church of Fordyce was organized in August of 1883 by Ouachita Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.). Hector S. McNeil and J.A. Kirkpatrick were elected by the eight charter members and ordained as the first elders of the new congregation. Samuel Fordyce gave the church its bell.
In 1885 the church called the Rev. Dr. J.M. Brown as its first installed pastor, a position in which he served until 1899. By the turn of the century, the congregation had grown to eighty-three members.
The present church building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, was erected on this site in 1912. The original church house was a frame structure and was sold to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Th next, a brick building, was bought by the Episcopal church and used by them from 1912-1930, then sold to the American Legion.
"Enter to Worship-Depart to Serve" has been the motto of Presbyterians throughout the life of this part of Christ's Church. Through good years and lean, our members have been privilege to offer an alternative vision of faith to the people of this community.
Erected 1990 by Col & Mrs William J Blythe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 33° 48.78′ N, 92° 24.885′ W. Marker is in Fordyce, Arkansas, in Dallas County. It is on West 4th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 W 4th Street, Fordyce AR 71742, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Gulf Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Piney Woods. 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, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fordyce Arkansas (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Road to Marks' Mills / Battle of Marks' Mills (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Paul "Bear" Bryant's Boyhood Home (approx. 6.4 miles away); Johnny Cash Returns (approx. 7½ miles away); Crossroads Methodist Church (approx. 8.9 miles away); Johnny Cash Birthplace (approx. 8.9 miles away); Ramsey Community Veterans Memorial (approx. 9 miles away); Prosperity Baptist Church (approx. 9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fordyce.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

