Standing On Hallowed Ground

As a part of its bicentennial celebration, members of First Presbyterian Church walked to the old city cemetery on Sunday night and stood where one of its early sanctuaries stood. Dr. Kevin Smith shared some of the unique history of the church that was documented in an archeological dig conducted by MTSU.

Church members and historians met at First Presbyterian at 4:00 o'clock Sunday night for a video presentation and talk by Dr. Smith. Then after dinner, the almost one-hundred and fifty persons walked the four-blocks from College Street to the old cemetery on Vine Street. 

Only Church That Was A State Capitol

Smith said the congregation welcomed the state senate and house to meet in their sanctuary when the old courthouse burned on July 18, 1822. Arson was suspected in the courthouse blaze, but never proved. The church extended an invitation for the state to use its building on weekdays, and four-days later Governor William Carroll held the governing body's first session there.

Another unique bit of history tied to First Presbyterian Church, on July 28, 1822, the State House of Representatives passed a resolution in the church that nominated Andrew Jackson for President of the United States.

Dr. Smith Said, "This was historically significant, because it was the first time in history that a person won the popular vote and the electoral vote, but did not get to be president, because he did not have the required 50 per cent majority." 

Captain Lytle Deeded Land To The Presbyterian Church

Captain William Lytle deeded Murfreesboro's First Presbyterian Church the land for its original site. That's where the congregation walked Sunday night (9/18/2011). The church is planning a year od historical celebrations including a fashion show depicting the clothing worn by members over the past 200-years, special history tours, and even a congregational trip to Scotland next summer. That is the home roots of the Presbyterian Church.