Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarFirst Presbyterian Church located at the corner of 23rd Avenue and 10th Street.

First Presbyterian Church of Meridian is an historic church that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The church was founded in 1856 by eight members including John T. Ball and Lewis A. Ragsdale, founders of the city of Meridian. Two other members were slaves. The pastor was Rev. William Curtis Emerson.

From 1856 to 1867, the church met on the second floor of a store owned by one of the members. In 1867, the congregation had grown enough to construct a church at 25th Avenue and 7th Street. After a fire on Jan. 27, 1883, the building was destroyed; members of the church later rebuilt the structure using brick instead of wood. The church remained at that location  until Sept. 25, 1911, when it was sold to the city of Meridian. The city currently uses the building to house the Meridian Museum of Art.

After selling the old building, the church bought a lot at 23rd Avenue and 10th Street. The building, designed by architect Penn Jeffries Krouse, was built in 1913 and dedicated on March 29, 1914. In 1951, an educational building addition used for Sunday School was completed under the leadership of pastor Dr. J. Kelly Unger.

It was listed on the National Register in 1979. It was deemed more notable than other churches in Meridian for “its historical significance” and because it was designed by P.J. Krause, “architect of most of Meridian’s outstanding buildings from 1900-1920.

The sanctuary was renovated in 1982. In October 1996, the church bought an adjacent building, which became the Administration and Education Building and has been used for staff offices and both adult Sunday school and committee meetings.

In 2006 the church’s vision was to build an educational wing – the $3.5 million expansion of the facilities for a Children’s Ministries Center was completed in 2010.

Today, the church of 450 members just completed a $1.6 million expansion of the facilities – Student Ministries Center. The center has two large classrooms and a break room, which will be used for teens in the church.

Dr. Rhett Payne, III, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, said the recent construction of the Student Ministries Center and the previous construction of the Children’s Ministry Wing shows proof the church has grown in young families and is positioned for that growth.

“Our church is a gospel focused family central to everything we do,” Payne said. “God is a merciful and gracious God and we want people to know that. We focus on the scriptures, teach people the Bible and how it applies to our lives. 

“We enjoy our time together – ministering to one another – reaching out to our community and world with the good news.”

Church Facts

• Name: First Presbyterian Church

• Pastor: Senior Pastor, Dr. Rhett G. Payne, III

• Denomination: Evangelical Presbyterian Church

• Location: 911 23rd Avenue (corner of 23rd Avenue and 10th Street)

• Contact: (601) 693-1133 or www.fpcmeridain.com

Services: 

• Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.

• JavaRama Coffee Cafe: 10 a.m.

• Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

• Wednesdays: 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. The Gathering (meal and program for all ages).

• Special Events coming up: Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service – 5 p.m.