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First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville was founded on
May 22, 1830 with 12 members. Dr. Samuel Meriwether was
elected the first elder of the church that same year. Very
early on, services were held in the county courthouse. On
September 24, 1832, construction of the first church
building, on West Market Street, was begun.
Construction of the building that we now occupy, at the
corner of Walnut and Chestnut streets, was begun on August
13, 1860. The original section, the south portion of the
building, was dedicated on the first Sunday of December
1860. The Civil War delayed the completion of the remainder
of the building until October 1864.
Church membership expanded greatly during this time. From
the original 12 members in 1830, the church grew to 134
members by 1855, and by 1880 there were 275 members. During
the ministry of the Rev. Joseph M. Hutchinson (1871 to
1896), the membership increased dramatically, to 482.
Many improvements were made to the church in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In anticipation of
the first stained-glass windows, the balcony at the north
end of the sanctuary was removed, walls and ceilings were
re-frescoed, woodwork and pews were refinished and the
chandeliers were converted from gas to electricity. A new
water-powered organ was installed in September 1908.
In the summer of 1902, the Ann Hutchinson house was built
next to the church building on Walnut Street as a residence
for the pastor. The house was later occupied by the church
office and Sunday School and was used for various meetings
and functions of the Women’s Association. It was torn down
in 1983.
On December 14, 1930, the James E. Taggart addition, Taggart
Hall, became part of the church. This provided needed space
for many programs and activities.
In January 1937, the Ohio River flooded and caused
considerable damage to the building. More than 12 feet of
water stood in the sanctuary. In fact, a crack that is still
visible in the wall next to the plaque at the back of the
sanctuary marks the flood’s crest. As part of the
rehabilitation and repairs after the flood, the sanctuary
seating was reversed to provide a better view of the large
stained-glass window facing Chestnut Street. Space was also
made for the new organ in the front of the sanctuary. The
restored and remodeled church was dedicated on September 26,
1937.
Another major renovation was completed in 1987, when an
addition was built on the south side of the church and the
entire facility was repainted, re-carpeted and modernized.
Our current organ, a 22 rank Shantz, was dedicated on May
15, 1994.
In 1998, a capital campaign raised $150,000 to provide for
the ongoing maintenance, repair and improvement of the
church property.
In light of all this we believe that First Presbyterian
Church of Jeffersonville is a congregation with a rich
history, a vibrant present and a bright future. We invite
you to join us as we continue our journey together! |
