First Presbyterian Church (Augusta, Georgia)

First Presbyterian Church (Augusta, Georgia)
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Name	First Presbyterian Church
Location	Augusta, Georgia
Country	United States
Denomination	Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Previous denomination	Presbyterian Church in the United States
Founded date	1804
Pastor	Rev. Dr. R. Leslie Holmes
Architecture	Gothic Revival
Completed date	1847
Spire height	200 ft

First Presbyterian Church (Augusta, Georgia) is a historic Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 1804, it is one of the oldest continuous Presbyterian congregations in the American South. The church is renowned for its 1847 Gothic Revival sanctuary, a prominent landmark on Telfair Street, and its historic cemetery containing the graves of many notable Augustans.

History

The congregation was formally organized in 1804 by a small group of Scottish and Scotch-Irish settlers, with early services held in the Academy of Richmond County. Its first permanent house of worship, a simple frame building, was constructed in 1809 on the corner of Greene and Jackson Streets. The church grew significantly under the leadership of its first settled pastor, Joseph R. Wilson, father of future U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. During the American Civil War, the church building served as a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers following the Battle of Chickamauga. The congregation later affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in the United States and, after the 1983 reunion, joined the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Architecture

The current sanctuary, completed in 1847, is a prime example of early Gothic Revival architecture in the Southeast. Designed by architect John C. B. Noel, the structure is built of locally quarried granite and features a distinctive spire, one of the tallest in the state. Notable interior elements include original stained glass windows, a Hope-Jones pipe organ installed in 1911, and intricate woodcarving throughout the chancel. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 for its architectural and historical significance, anchoring the Augusta Downtown Historic District.

Notable clergy

Prominent ministers who have served the church include its first installed pastor, Joseph R. Wilson (father of Woodrow Wilson), who led the congregation from 1858 to 1870. John L. Girardeau, a noted theologian and professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, served as pastor from 1875 to 1884. In the 20th century, George T. Goetchius provided long-term leadership from 1929 to 1960, overseeing significant growth and community outreach. The current senior pastor is Rev. Dr. R. Leslie Holmes, who has served since 1991 and is active in regional Presbytery affairs and ecumenical dialogue.

Cemetery

The church's historic cemetery, established in 1818, is the resting place for many influential figures from Augusta's history. Interments include William H. Crawford, United States Secretary of the Treasury and presidential candidate; George W. Crawford, Governor of Georgia; and John M. Berrien, United States Attorney General under President Andrew Jackson. Also buried here are numerous Confederate officers, early Presbyterian ministers, and prominent local families like the Walkers and Twiggs. The cemetery is maintained as a green space and historical site within the urban landscape.

Community involvement

The church has a long tradition of community service and outreach in the Central Savannah River Area. It founded the Augusta Rescue Mission in the early 20th century and continues to support the Golden Harvest Food Bank. Its music program presents regular concerts for the public and collaborates with organizations like the Augusta Symphony. The church also hosts meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, provides space for the Augusta Players community theater, and participates in interfaith initiatives with synagogues and other churches across the CSRA.

Category:Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Churches in Augusta, Georgia Category:Gothic Revival church buildings in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Religious organizations established in 1804 Category:1804 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)