Jonesborough Presbyterian Church

1790 t0 Present

Location

128 Main St., Jonesborough, Tn 37659

History

In 1790 the Rev. Samuel Doak and the Rev. Hezekiah Balch organized what was known as the “Hebron” Church about four miles northeast of Jonesborough. In 1816 the church came to Jonesborough and constructed a building at the corner of Main and Washington St. following the 1831 construction of a second building on that site, the church changed its name to Jonesborough Presbyterian in 1840. In 1846 the church decided to move to its present site.

In 1868 a division occurred as a result of intense feelings brought about by the war between the North and South. Both Northern and Southern sympathizers continued to use the building until 1880 when the Southern branch bought out th PC USA branch which then erected a building at Main and Fox Streets.

In 1926 the PC US Presbytery finally disbanded its church in Jonesborough and offered the building to the PC USA church. The offer was refused and for twenty years the historic building was used only for special occasions.

In 1943 the PC USA church was made another offer which was accepted and purchased the old building. They then sold their building at Main and Fox Sts. and began to restore the present sanctuary and building. In August 1943 the union was completed and the two congregations became one again. Some Church School rooms were added when the old building was restored. The church was formally rededicated 5 Oct 1944. An addition educational building was constructed in the rear of the old building in 1952.

The church has the historical background of being both PC USA and PC US Presbyterian denominations. In 1983 he two denominations voted to reunite as the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the two Holston Presbyteries became the one Holston Presbytery again.

Pastors

[courtesy of W. Eugene Cox and Joyce Cox, Oct 2006]

First Presbyterian Pastors

Posted 29 May 2005. Updated 12 Sep 2007

Also see Tour of Historic Jonesborough for more photos and history.