History of the Church
The Presbyterian Church traces its growth and development from a unique group of Christian Churches that were (1) founded on the ideals of the Protestant Reformation, and (2) based on the concept of democratic rule under the authority of God.
The word Presbyterian comes from “presbuteros” the Greek word for “elder.” It refers to the system, in apostolic times, of choosing leaders from among the wisest members of the church.
Most Presbyterians give credit to John Knox as the founder of the Presbyterian Church. Knox studied under John Calvin in Geneva and returned to his home in Scotland in 1559 where he established the Presbyterian faith. Soon thereafter, Scottish settlers brought Presbyterianism to Northern Ireland, an important stepping stone on the trail leading to America.
Westminster Presbyterian Church traces its roots to the first Protestant minister to preach on Texas soil. In 1836, Rev. Sumner Bacon organized a Presbyterian Sunday School in the Old Stone Fort. This School remained in existence until 1849.
In 1843, the Cumberland Presbyterian Synod of Texas was organized at a Camp Ground near Nacogdoches. At this time Nacogdoches was part of the Republic of Texas.
In 1889, the Presbyterian Church U.S. established First Presbyterian Church, and a building was erected at North Fredonia and Hospital Street.
On May 4, 1893, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. organized the Main Street Presbyterian Church. This church had twelve charter members and was located at Main and Mound Streets.
On November 30, 1930, Main Street Presbyterian Church was renamed Westminster Presbyterian Church, and construction of our present day church and pastor’s manse were completed.
When First Presbyterian Church disbanded in 1935, several of its members joined Westminster Presbyterian Church.