Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Independent Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 2008
1. Independent Presbyterian Church Marker
The original church building erected on the present site was designed by John H. Greene, a gifted Rhode Island architect. In 1819 it was dedicated with impressive services which were attended by President James Monroe. The church was destroyed by fire in 1889.
The present church building was completed in 1891. The architect, William G. Preston, followed the general plan of the former structure. It was regarded as a notable example of American church architecture.
Among the distinguished ministers of the Independent Presbyterian Church since its founding have been John Joachim Zubly, 1758- 1781; Henry Kollock, 1805- 1819; Daniel Baker, 1828- 1831; Willard Preston, 1831- 1856, and I.S.K. Axson, 1857- 1891.
Ellen Louise Axson who was born in the manse of the Independent Presbyterian Church in 1860 was married in 1883 to Woodrow Wilson later President of the United States, in a room in the manse.
Erected 1955
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.
Location. 32° 4.594′ N, 81° 5.579′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. It is on Bull Street near Oglethorpe Avenue, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, 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 original Thirteen Colonies, 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: Lowell Mason (a few steps from this marker); Original 1733 Burial Plot (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Juliette Low (within shouting distance of this marker); "Tyrants Fall In Every Foe Liberty's In Every Blow" (within shouting distance of this marker); James Moore Wayne, 1790-1867 (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Wm. A. Caruthers (1802-46) (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (within shouting distance
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 1, 2008
2. Independent Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 2008
3. Independent Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 2008
4. Independent Presbyterian Church 1891 Steeple Bell
Placed in the garden
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 2008
5. Independent Presbyterian Church 1891 Steeple Bell
Historic American Buildings Survey, 1936
6. Independent Presbyterian Church
Historic American Engineering Record HABS GA,26-SAV,3-4
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 10, 2013
7. Independent Presbyterian Church Marker
Postcard by Coastal New Co., circa 1925
8. Independent Presbyterian Church Marker
The back of the postcard reads:This beautiful old church, the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, was designed by James Gibbs and is a copy of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, London. It was chartered in 1775 by George II and the church structure was erected in 1819. President Wilson married his first wife in the manse in 1885.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,385 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on June 11, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on March 11, 2013, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 8. submitted on February 15, 2015. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
