Macon in Bibb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The First Presbyterian Church
Photographed By David Seibert, July 4, 2011
1. The First Presbyterian Church Marker
Organized as the Presbyterian Church of Macon on June 18, 1826, by the Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve and the Rev. Joseph C. Stiles, the church dedicated this house of worship, its third, on September 19, 1858, at the close of the ministry of the Rev. Robert L. Breck. Mr. Stiles was the first pastor; Matthew Robertson and Samuel B. Hunter, ordained October 14, 1827, the first elders.
This church was host for formation of the Synod of Georgia in 1844 with Dr. Thomas Goulding, founder and first president of Columbia Seminary, as moderator. His son, the Rev. Francis R. Goulding, author of The Young Marooners, served here in the 60’s by preaching to the Negro members, who withdrew to form Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church in 1866. This is the mother Church also of Tattnall Square (1887), Vineville (1904), and East Macon (1906),
It was the younger Goulding who took over the city-wide Thanksgiving service commanded here by Union General Wilson at the close of the War Between the States because the pastor, the Rev. David Willis, was overcome by the mockery of the occasion. Goulding’s service consisted of reading Psalm
this page online
In the church vestibule is a plaque honoring Sidney Lanier, who was a member here.
Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 011-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 18, 1826.
Location. 32° 50.313′ N, 83° 37.761′ W. Marker is in Macon, Georgia, in Bibb County. Marker is at the intersection of Mulberry Street and 1st Street, on the right when traveling east on Mulberry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 682 Mulberry Street, Macon GA 31210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mulberry Street Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Library Ballroom / College Discotheque (within shouting distance of this marker); The March to the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Bibb County (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hardeman Building (about 400 feet away); Andersen's Jewelers (about 500 feet away); Sidney Lanier's Law Office (about 600 feet away); Sidney Lanier (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Macon.
Photographed By David Seibert, July 4, 2011
2. The First Presbyterian Church Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, July 4, 2011
3. The First Presbyterian Church Marker
The marker with the church entrance in the background
4. The First Presbyterian Church of Macon
Photographed By Kenneth Kay, 1981
5. The First Presbyterian Church
Photo courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 777 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 4. submitted on November 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5. submitted on November 3, 2015. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
