Central Presbyterian Church is old, gritty, and full of life and love. Whether or not you’re old and gritty, we all need a little more life and love. For over 175 years, they have been found here – especially after we became one of the first “free” churches in Austin after Reconstruction, ending a common practice (that had kept out African Americans) of charging people for pews.

Mission and Vision Statements

OUR MISSION

Deliberately diverse and fully inclusive, Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Austin is a community of Christian faith where each person is welcomed as a unique child of God.

OUR VISION

Ministering to the needs of God's people is at the heart of this congregation; Individually and together, we respond to God's love, grace and justice in Jesus Christ; Guided by scripture and our reformed tradition, we actively work toward peace, justice and spiritual growth; Through worship, music, fellowship, Christian education, and service to others, we continue to glorify God and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Staff

Leading worship, ministering to our needs throughout the week, caring for our children, caring for our building, and much more, the staff of CPC is a fantastic group of talented, dedicated people. If you don't know them yet, you're missing out! If you do, please remember to acknowledge them for all they do for us.

Lay Leadership

Much of the church's work is done by members serving as session members, deacons, and trustees. Session members lead ministry teams that manage the church's work in mission, membership, facilities, evangelism, and much more. They're always eager for new people to get involved!

Front view of Central Presbyterian Church

Read more about the historical marker

As we planned for the celebration of the 170th year of Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Austin (Oct. 18, 2009), we realized that our own congregation needed to know more of its history. What follows was gleaned from Bo Byers's book, The Roots of Central Presbyterian Church (1989), The Story of the First Southern Presbyterian Church, by Wm. A. McLeod, D.D. (1939), The Austin History Center, and other books and periodicals.

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