A Brief History of Central Presbyterian Church
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' 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.
After Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, it became the Republic of Texas. This was still a wild frontier with few settlers, and many dangers from Indian raids and hostile Mexican soldiers nearby. It was in this environment that the first Presbyterian church in Austin was organized by Rev. Wm. Y. Allen, with six members, on October 13, 1839 at Bullock's Hotel.
Abner Cook, who went on to build many famous houses in Austin, such as the Governor's Mansion, the Neill-Cochran House, and the Pease Mansion, built that first church in Austin, a small wooden building on the SE corner of Lavaca and Bois d'Arc (now 7th Street).
On December 27, 1839,the frontier village of Austin was designated the Capital City of the Republic. Fear of marauding Indians and the threat of Mexican troops made the government of the Republic flee to Houston, and most of the population fled to Washington-on-the-Brazos. In 1844 a tornado blew the little Presbyterian church apart. These were difficult times indeed. The population of Austin at that time was estimated at 200 to 850 people.
There was great rejoicing in 1845 when the Annexation of Texas to the Union took place. Former Governor Sam Houston had worked hard to bring this about, as had many others. In 1848 Rev. Dr. Daniel Baker came to Austin and re-organized the Presbyterians, who had been meeting wherever they could find a room. In 1850, Dr Baker's son, Rev. Wm. N. Baker, was charged with the ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Abner Cook again built a frame church on the NE corner of Lavaca and Bois d'Arc. Rev. Baker served our church from 1850-1865.
During the 1850s, the United States and Presbyterians became a country and a church divided. When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, Southern states began to secede from the Union, and Texas joined that secession movement on March 16, 1861, which is said to have broken Sam Houston's heart. On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began. The presbytery of Central Texas had dissolved its connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., and the Southern Assembly was formed in late 1861. The conflict of the war left many with bitter feelings toward those who had supported the other side. In 1866, a minority of 13 members left First Presbyterian Church, and maintained allegiance to the Central Texas Presbytery and the Southern Assembly. That division lasted until 1983 - 123 years!
Southern Presbyterian Church struggled mightily to maintain itself as a viable church. Rev. Abner Porter was a strong influence in the formation of the new church, and the formerly-homeless church was finally on firmer ground. On May 14, 1871 a contract was signed for the property that the church still occupies, on the corner of 8th and Brazos Streets. Support for the building program increased, and then the church (as well as the country) had a big setback: The financial Panic of 1873. But Southern Presbyterian persevered, and the cornerstone was laid on March 15, 1873. In 1874, construction resumed, and in May 1875,the new church building was dedicated.
In 1876, Rev. Richmond K. Smoot accepted a call to serve as pastor of Southern Presbyterian Church, and was so influential that it was often called "Dr Smoot's church." He remained until his death in 1905,and strengthened the church through his oratory and persuasive abilities. He was elected moderator of the General Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia in 1882, the Presbyterian Church's highest honor. But his greatest accomplishment was his leadership in the beginnings of theological education in Austin, which he began in his home on Pecan St (now 6th St). The relocation of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary from East Austin to just north of the University of Texas campus made it possible for Dr. Smoot to accept the election to chair the Department of Church History. Dr. Smoot died on July 1, 1905, and during his tenure the church grew from 72 to 282 members.
A noteworthy member of Southern Presbyterian Church was William Sidney Porter (O. Henry), who sang in the church choir. He was known as the master of the short story. He was married to Athol Estes in July 1887 by Dr. Smoot, in his home on Pecan Street.
Young Dr. William J. Burt arrived in Austin, became an elder of First Southern Presbyterian Church in 1875, and married a beautiful woman. When they learned that she was unable to bear children, Dr. Burt started saving 50 cents per housecall toward the construction of a grand home for her. He was approaching his goal when it was announced that the church was in dire straits because of its tremendous debt. Dr. Burt and his wife decided to give their savings in that special fund to wipe out the church's debt. The owner of a monument business was so impressed by the Burts' sacrifice that he gave the beautiful marble baptismal font that stands in the sanctuary today in their honor. The inscription reads "Given By A Friend."
Our church has been served by many fine pastors, among them Rev. Dr. Wm. R. Minter (1915-1940), who instituted a Voluntary Plan of Giving, which provided financial stability. He also started the first Vacation Bible School, and a Men's Bible Class. While he was minister, a new education building was completed.
The Rev. Flynn Long (1940-1952) was an outspoken champion of unification between the northern and the southern branches of the church, without much success. He performed many wartime marriages, and worked at encouraging people during and after WWII, in those times of great stress and hardship.
The Rev. Dr. John (Jack) Wm. Lancaster (1953-1961) said that his primary concern was the 'survival' of the church. He started a noon service for men and a prayer service for the convening of the Texas Legislature. The church hosted the Texas Council of Churches, at which Gov. Price Daniel spoke. An important decision the church faced was, "Should we go (move to the suburbs) or stay (downtown)?" While many downtown churches left, Southern Presbyterian decided to stay. Plans for a new sanctuary were approved, and the cornerstone was laid on Nov. 3, 1957. Church enrollment at that time was 926.
Always known for wearing boots and a Stetson, Rev. Frank Walker (1965-1978) was responsible for the project of selecting, designing, and hanging the wooden cross that still hangs in the sanctuary today. The new sanctuary was completed and paid for during his tenure. He continued the noon service for men, and a new pipe organ was installed and dedicated on Nov. 2, 1975.
Rev. Dean K. Thompson (1979-1984), brought innovation to the church. He began the weekly Thursday noon concerts, and also had the first female associate pastor, Rev. Laura Mendenhall. Her husband, Rev. Charles Mendenhall, was named director of the Central City Counseling Center, which later became the Samaritan Counseling Center. Finally, after years of discussion, the northern and southern denominations of the Presbyterian Church voted to approve unification. Our congregation voted to change the church name to Central Presbyterian Church in 1983.
Rev. Richard A. Thompson (1986-1995) arrived, saw that the church was surrounded by tall buildings, and felt that the church must heighten its profile and "let our light shine." He initiated a capital improvements program, community outreach programs, banners over 8th St, and the historical marker that stands in the courtyard today. He broadcast a series on public affairs known as "Austin Faith Dialogue". Then came the mid-80s, with a state-wide recession known as the "Oil Bust."
Rev. Greg McDonell was called as the new pastor in January 1997. Under his leadership, the church has grown again, and is well-known for its welcoming and mission spirit. The Interfaith Arts Festival and the church music programs are important parts of the character of Central. Under Greg's leadership, our Mission Statement Deliberately Diverse and Fully Inclusive was adopted, and Central's story is an ongoing one of family and creativity. Many great years of exciting service to the city and to the Lord lie ahead!
Text of Historical Marker
Placed at Central Presbyterian Church,
Austin, Texas in 1988 by the Texas Historical Commission
Central Presbyterian Church This congregation traces its roots to October 13, 1839, when Austin's first Presbyterian worship service was held at Bullock's hotel. Present that day was builder Abner Cook, elder in the first Presbyterian church organized in Austin. He helped acquire this property for the Presbyterian Church (South) following a post-Civil War split in the church. A sanctuary was completed on the site in 1874.
This congregation was known in later years as Southern Presbyterian Church, the Free Presbyterian Church, First Southern Presbyterian Church, and Central Presbyterian Church. It has counted among its members many individuals important in the life of the denomination and the city of Austin, including Gov. Francis R. Lubbock; William Sidney Porter (O. Henry); A. N. and Jane Y. McCallum; Dr. George Clark and Rebecca Kilgore Stuart Red; and U. S. Attorney General Thomas Watt Gregory. The Rev. Richmond Kelley Smoot played an important role in the national denomination and in the development of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
This congregation was instrumental in organizing five Presbyterian churches in Austin. It continues a program of ministry, outreach, and cultural events.