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History of the Church

The church began July 7, 1824, in Senah and Zebulon Wallace's log cabin in Hendricks Township, two years after the town of Shelbyville was platted. Thought to have met while waiting for the land office at Brookville, Indiana, to open; Wallace, Thomas Vaughn, and ten other neighbors saw a need for a spiritual bond in the community they settled.

First Building 1840 - 1853







In 1839, the worshipers felt the congregation should have a permanent house of worship. The trustees purchased the entire square of ground bounded by Harrison Street, Jackson Street, and an alley. The money for this project was secured from four gentlemen of the congregation.

The new house of worship was a commondious one, 40 by 50 feet, costing $2,500. It was set on wooden blocks five feet high to raise it above the swampy ground. A flight of wooden steps nearly as wide as the building led to the door. A plain cupola adorned the roof and held a bell purchased by the women of the church -- the same that even now calls us to worship.

Second Building 1853-1885

The congregation prospered such that in 13 short years the building was deemed insufficient. Again the trustees decided to build again. The Greek Revival style church was completed in less than two years and was dedicated on September 1, 1853.

In 1884 the First Presbyterian Church was built on its present location on Broadway Street. Originally, the congregation faced Jackson Street. Those entering from Broadway came into the rear of the sanctuary.

Third Building 1885 - present

Excerpts taken from the Fifth History written by John R. Ervin in 1998.