The First
Presbyterian Church of Hernando was
organized on May 20, 1850, with 12
members. According to early Sessional
records from a meeting held in the
Baptist Church of Hernando, Rev. A. H.
Caldwell proceeded to take the names of
those present who desired to become
members and to be organized into a
regularly constituted Presbyterian
church.
It was 28
years after this meeting before the
congregation had a house of worship of
their own. On August 6, 1870, the ladies
met in the home of Rev. S. K. Reid to
form the Ladies Industrial Society led
by Mrs. Sallie Boren McKenzie. The
Society's dues began a fund to purchase
land and erect a sanctuary. In 1871 the
first pulpit Bible was purchased for $5,
an organ for $150, the site for $250,
and in 1877-78 the sanctuary was built
at a cost of $1,897.22.
Mrs.
McKenzie remained a dedicated woman who
served unselfishly in many capacities
until her death at age 91. To the church
she willed her home, which was sold and
the funds used to renovate the sanctuary
and the manse. In 1980 a new fellowship
hall was dedicated adjoining two
educational wings.
Realizing
that we were outgrowing our space for
worship, education, and parking, our
congregation voted on May 15, 1994, to
purchase ten acres of property on
McIngvale Road at a cost of $112,000. A
service for the groundbreaking was held
on October 5, 1997. A dedication service
was held on May 23, 1999, in the new
sanctuary of the First Presbyterian
Church. Also, in 1999, the Historic
DeSoto Foundation purchased the old
property on Commerce Avenue and have
established a county museum. How
grateful we are to have been able to
preserve the site of our humble
beginnings over 150 years ago and yet
move forward with our congregation and
programs. As we continue to grow, it is
our hope and prayer that we grasp every
opportunity for witness and service to
our Lord.
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