Central Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterianism church originated in Scotland. However, it first came to Arkansas (Arkansas Post) by the means of John P. Carnahan who was originally from Kentucky’s Cumberland Presbytery. Followers of this religion have been known to place an emphasis on evangelism, education, and reform. However, many disagreements on theology, governance, and reform have caused many Presbyterian churches to split up. Many branches of the Presbyterian faith are from these divisions.

Differences between Presbyterianism to other more prominent forms of Christian faith such as Protestant, Presbyterians do not believe in catholic teachings and believe that human actions cannot affect their salvation, as born Christians just have to be purified with no redemption which is common in other forms of worship as the followers of Presbyterianism believe in predestination. Churches following this faith also have a structural government containing elected elders. Other beliefs shared in the Presbyterian church is that there is a tradition of confession and that they show their faith through social work and humanity.

The Bible to them is the highest form of command to them. Though they read the Bible, they believe that is the general standard and should ask the elders questions about their studies. Here in Russellville, Arkansas is the Central Presbyterian Church. The church itself has a beautiful gothic exterior design with Victorian styled windows and an intense and passionate maroon color. The church prides itself as being one of the oldest churches in Russellville and has been around through two world wars.

The Central Presbyterian Church was built in 1899; however, the church was organized in January 29, 1871. It took 28 years of planning for the buildings construction and preparation. It had the gothic style similar to Medieval architecture that was popular in religious building after 1865. At the time of its construction there were reportedly only one hundred members of the Central Presbyterian Church and it opened the doors for worship in the late July of 1900.

Unfortunately the building under Rev. J. H. Curry was destroyed in the Russellville Fire of 1906. This fire spread through West Main street due to the fire department being established recently to the disaster and lacking the equipment to contain and put out the fire. This fire had completely destroyed the building only leaving some fixtures and a damaged organ. The building was rebuilt on the same site and with the same plans; however, until it was completed services were held in the Opera House and in another Presbyterian church.

In the late 1924, plans were arranged to build an auditorium addition to the church. The first church service held in that auditorium was in November 29, 1925. Interestingly during World War I the Russellville Public Library had its lent library collection placed from Camp Pike to The Central Presbyterian Church. The Reverend of the church of that time Robert Hodgson began a drive for the public library during 1923 and 1924, thus The Russellville Public Library had a small building on the property to operate business. In March of 22, 1955 the building was damaged again by a fire due to smoke and water damage to the schooling section. The damage repairs were very expensive and tedious.

The congregation believed the church needed more space for schooling, in doing so the building north of the church was bought Early in December of 1962, and used for high school and junior high classes. More additions and alterations were being done in 1966. These included lengthening the main sanctuary, remodeling offices, classrooms, and the rest of the interior. The parking area was increased when northwest part of the block on which the church is located was offered for sale. The church still operates now days and still does youth events and charity events. 

Accessed November 26th 2021. https://www.faithstreet.com/church/central-presbyterian-church-russellville-ar.

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