File:Cumberland presbyterian, old rock church.jpg

Obtained from Austin First Cumberland Presbyterian Church: About Us

Title

Austin First Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 7th and Lavaca

Related Text

The History section of the page reads:

The present First Cumberland Presbyterian Church building was erected in 1956 on the edge of wheat fields, in what was then far north Austin. The church relocated from downtown, because more space was needed to accommodate the growing congregation.

Our history in the capital city goes back more than a century before that, however. In fact, “Cumberlands” have been in Austin for more than 165 years.

Building God’s House

In 1846, the men of the Cumberland Presbyterian congregation in Austin built a small log church at 7th and Lavaca streets. They had no regular pastor, but relied on lay leadership.

Seven years later, in 1853, the missionary, the Reverend A.D. Crisman, formally organized the church and served as its first pastor. The log church was replaced some time before 1890 by a frame building. In turn, a beautiful rock building was constructed in 1892 at the same location. This new church was especially admired for its exquisite stained glass windows and fine organ.

By 1902, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was enjoying unprecedented prosperity. During the next four years, however, it would be shaken to its foundation by a movement to unite with the Presbyterian Church in the USA, which had been confined principally to the North and West since the Civil War.

The beloved church at 7th and Lavaca became the property of the Presbyterian USA denomination. The church building was later sold to the Baptist Church. Elder R.M. Castleman was instrumental in raising funds and guaranteeing that a major portion was allocated so that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church could purchase back the building.

Moving North

With plans under way for a larger building at 6800 Woodrow, Cumberland Presbyterian sold the old rock church in 1955. Before it was destroyed, some of the windows and the organ were saved. These windows are at the front and rear of the present sanctuary, and the organ was installed near the altar. The new church building included a fellowship hall at the back of the sanctuary named Castleman Hall, to honor the man who facilitated the return of the rock church to its builders.

In later years, the building was expanded to include a full kitchen, a small chapel, a gym/auditorium named Estes Hall, and a two-story classroom wing.