First Presbyterian Church

Founded 1836

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 20, 2013

1. First Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. Built, 1856, dedicated 1857, combining exterior Gothic style with Greek Revival interior. Original part designed as a rectangular block. Wings were added on eastern and western sides in the middle 1900's. At that time a choir rail replaced original balustraded corner section. The balcony and chandeliers are outstanding. The church has served its members continuously and has been used for civic and patriotic assemblies significant in Wetumpka's history. In 1861 it served as a departure point for the Wetumpka Light Guard upon enlistment in the Confederate Army.

Entered in National Register, Historic Places 1976

Erected 1977 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 32° 32.359′ N, 86° 12.529′ W. Marker was in Wetumpka, Alabama, in Elmore County. Marker was at the intersection of West Bridge Street (Alabama Route 212) and North Bridge Street (Alabama Route 111), on the right when traveling west on West Bridge

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Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 100 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka AL 36092, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Wetumpka Light Guard (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church of Wetumpka (about 400 feet away); Lock 31 (about 400 feet away); Wetumpka Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); High Water Mark (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wetumpka's Bridges (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Calaboose (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wetumpka L&N Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wetumpka.

Additional commentary.
1. EF2 tornado destroys First Presbyterian Church.
A tornado struck Wetumpka on Saturday, January 19, 2019 and destroyed the historic First Presbyterian Church. The damage can be seen in the video on this page along with the start of construction of a replacement church. The Light Guard memorial can also be seen.

— Submitted January 19, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

First Presbyterian Church Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 20, 2013

2. First Presbyterian Church Building

Marker was demolished by EF-2 tornado. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 2, 2019

3. Marker was demolished by EF-2 tornado.

Post can be seen but actual marker is not visible.

Wreckage of the First Presbyterian Church after EF-2 tornado. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 2, 2019

4. Wreckage of the First Presbyterian Church after EF-2 tornado.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,217 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.