First Presbyterian Church of Arlington

History of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington

For over 115 years the people of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington have gathered to worship God, provide care for one another, and minister to the needs of the city and the world. Twenty-five men and women were responsible for the founding of First Presbyterian Church. As stated in the Session minutes of April 8, 1888, they “met with the Rev. D. G. Molloy to covenant with each other to serve God.” Some descendants of the twenty-five charter members are still active members of the current congregation.

Organized in 1888 as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Arlington, members also came from the villages of West Fork and Johnson Station. As more of these people moved their homes to Arlington, the church grew. Early services were held in the homes of members or in local businesses. In the those years pastors were sometimes employed to preach monthly or perhaps twice a month.

The first church building, a modest frame structure, was completed in 1891. It stood at the corner of what is now Abram and South Pecan Streets. Just as the building was finished, before the scaffold even had been removed from around the belfry, lighting struck and the church burned to the ground. Unfortunately, it was not covered by insurance. However, by nightfall the undaunted congregation and the Red Oak Presbytery had raised sufficient funds to rebuild the church. It was dedicated in November of 1891. In 1906 the authority of the church was changed to the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the name was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington.

The church had 85 members when Dr. S. M. Bennett and his family moved to Arlington in 1914. During his ministry the congregation grew rapidly and a new building program was begun in 1917. A new church structure and a new manse were built. Rev. Bennett’s tenure was the longest of any pastor to date, over twenty years, stretching from 1914 to 1934. He continued to be a part of this congregation until his death in 1973 at the age of 103.

In the mid-1950’s, because of growth and the lack of room for expansion, a new church was built at 1200 South Collins. It was dedicated in 1956. Over the years other additions have been made to the building: the Bennett Spire, the Reuter Pipe organ, the fellowship hall, more Christian education facilities, and the W. L. Hughes courtyard. The latest expansion included new office space, a parlor, and the chapel. They were completed in December of 1987. The congregation joyfully celebrated the paying-off of this latest addition during a mortgage burning ceremony in the fall of 2000.

As early as 1891, women were elected to serve in responsible positions in the church. However, it was not until 1959 that women were elected to serve as elders. Since that time many women have served both as elders and deacons. In 1981 the congregation was blessed with the ordination of its first female minister, Rev. Leila Power.

In its history the church has had as many as 2,000-plus members. We now have a membership of around 700. The congregation operates under the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is part of Grace Presbytery and the Synod of the Sun.