First United Presbyterian Church and Manse

First United Presbyterian Church and Manse. . In June of 1762 a representative from the Big Spring Associate Presbyterian congregation was "craving support of sermon" from Presbytery. This congregation first worshiped on the east side of the Big Spring. Known as the "the tent," their house of worship was a board roof without siding. In 1772 a log church was built here, followed by a stone church in 1790 and a brick church in 1826. A 2-story brick church with pastor's study, lecture room, and prayer meeting room on the first floor and sanctuary on the second followed in 1868. , , Part of the present structure was completed in 1883. It included a Sabbath School room, sanctuary with spectacular stained glass windows, and a 1011 pound bell donated by the citizens of Newville. Additions were in 1930, 1964 and 1989. , , The 1859 manse was first occupied by Rev. W.I. Wallace who is remembered for his prayers for the success of the Union army. Southern sympathizers in his congregation warned him not to do that again! The first bathroom in Newville was installed here for the family of Rev. George Reed, Mrs. Reed was the first person to call the parsonage the "Manse." , , The graveyard behind the church was closed in 1922 and the bodies re-interred elsewhere.