Where we are headed...
We are called to bless the city of Clarksville from the heart of Clarksville. We will face the Downtown Commons and will work for the redemption and renewal of the city center, where we live, work, shop, read, learn, enjoy art and music, worship, and play. We will seek the peace and wholeness that only God can provide to our economic, cultural, and governmental decisions.
We will provide a spiritual home in Clarksville for followers of Jesus who:
We will provide a spiritual home in Clarksville for followers of Jesus who:
- Are inclusive, willing to welcome anyone.
- See the Scriptures as the well-spring of our faith.
- Are comfortable asking questions and do not assume we have all the truth there is.
- See no question as off limits; are willing to dig deep, think, work hard, and explore the faith.
- Are willing to disagree (agreeably) with the pastor and with one another about matters of theology and faith.
- Love to experience the fine arts in worship.
- Love to serve others, especially those who are materially poor.
Expanding the vision...
We sit at the center of Clarksville in the rapidly developing Downtown Historic District, across from the Downtown Commons and adjacent to Austin Peay State University and the new F&M Bank Arena. We are in the heart of Clarksville with a heart that beats for Clarksville and Montgomery County.
How it all started...
Soon after Clarksville, Tennessee was incorporated in 1784, Dr. Gideon Blackburn, an itinerant Presbyterian minister, preached outdoors in a place south of Clarksville owned by Larkin Bradley (subsequently known as Tompkins Grove, after Bradley sold the property to Tompkins in 1868). Dr. Blackburn organized First Presbyterian Church on May 25, 1822.
First Presbyterian Church has been located at 213 Main Street since the late 1830s, when Lucinda Elder, wife of Clarksville's first mayor, gave the land that intersects at Third and Main to the church. The current sanctuary was completed and dedicated on May 26, 1878. We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), known for our involvement and service to the community, and the beauty of our music and worship.
In 2022 we marked our 200th year of continuous service to Christ and to this community.
You may purchase a history of the church, Following the Faith: A Bicentennial History of First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville (1822-2022) , edited by Dr. Ellen Kanervo, on Amazon or at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center bookstore in Clarksville.
First Presbyterian Church has been located at 213 Main Street since the late 1830s, when Lucinda Elder, wife of Clarksville's first mayor, gave the land that intersects at Third and Main to the church. The current sanctuary was completed and dedicated on May 26, 1878. We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), known for our involvement and service to the community, and the beauty of our music and worship.
In 2022 we marked our 200th year of continuous service to Christ and to this community.
You may purchase a history of the church, Following the Faith: A Bicentennial History of First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville (1822-2022) , edited by Dr. Ellen Kanervo, on Amazon or at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center bookstore in Clarksville.
