Our History

Beginning in 1850

Although the actual buildings and locations have changed throughout history, what hasn’t changed is FPCA’s commitment to live – and to invite others to live – a thoughtful, heartfelt authentic faith.

FPCA has always sought to be a leader in social and personal transformation. During the American Civil War, FPCA aligned with the Northern Presbyterian Church while every other Texas Presbyterian Church aligned with the Southern Presbyterian Church.

After the Civil War, Pastor E.B. Wright established FPCA as a place of reconciliation and grace, as FPCA encouraged former enemies to ask for God’s blessings, and for one another’s forgiveness. North/South, Former Slaves/Former Slaveholders, People of Faith/People of Doubt – all joined together to seek out a better way of life and service. This is our history of welcome and inclusion.

A longstanding tradition

The historic timeline of the First Presbyterian Church of Austin

1839–1844 | Early Years

Presbyterianism in Austin had its beginning in October, 1839, when the Reverent William Y. Allen held services in Bullock’s Hotel and, after the sermon, organized a Presbyterian Church. This church was dispersed by fear of Indian raids, which caused the citizens to run off to Washington on the Brazos; but as Austin was the Capital City, some drifted back. Others came to establish homes, and Austin grew until in 1850 the population was 629. While these things were taking place, a famous evangelist was finishing his education at Princeton and the Theological Seminary at Winchester, Virginia, and entering the ministry.

1850 | The Beginning

“During May, AD 1850, the Rev. Wm. M. Baker was led in the Providence of God, to visit the city of Austin. It being ascertained during his visit that there was sufficient material for the purpose – On Sabbath morning May 26th, 1850, immediately after service in the Old Capitol, the following persons were organized into a Presbyterian Church – to wit – Mr. James R.E. Goodletter, Mr. Abner H. Cook, Mr. Joseph W. Hampton, Mrs. Ann J. Woodridge, and Mrs. Sarah Lee.

1851 | First Building

On the fourth Sabbath of August, 1851, this little frame church, of thirty feet wide and forty feet long, was first occupied. In 1855, twenty-five feet were added to the North end of the building.

1861–1866 | Civil War

The Central Texas Presbytery, of which First Presbyterian Church was a member, dissolved its connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., and the Southern Assembly U.S. was formed in late 1861. When the Civil War ended in 1865, bitter feelings about the conflict affected many aspects of southern life, including the church. In 1866, a pro-northern majority at First Presbyterian Church supported a resolution disclaiming all connection with the Central Texas Presbytery.

1890 | New Building

The first stone structure was built in 1890 in downtown Austin at 7th Street and Lavaca to house this progressive Presbyterian congregation that served the needs of a growing southern city.

1900 | Pipe Organ

You’ll hear our magnificent pipe organ in the masterworks during worship in addition to accompanying our choir and congregation. Since its debut concert in 1900, our Möller, op. 263 tracker organ has been filling Austin air waves with live music … well before Sixth Street became the music mecca. Watch a presentation from October 5, 2023 that includes information about the organ’s past, present, and future.

The History of the Pipe Organ →

1911 | Boy Scouts

FPCA sponsored Boy Scout Troop #1 in March 1911. Up until 2024, this was the oldest continuing troop in the USA.

Mid-century development

1960 | New Jackson Ave. Location

In 1960, First Presbyterian moved its building from the downtown area to Jackson Avenue with hopes of growing to serve an expanding city. The Jackson Ave building was intended as a fellowship and program hall, with plans for a sanctuary that never had time to be built. A Day School for preschool children, a Boy Scout troop, and the establishment of Westminster Manor, a senior living center were accomplishments during the time on Jackson Avenue. The growing congregation continued to worship there until 1978.

1967 | $25 Miracle

In 1967, visionary church leaders saw a need for hospitable retirement living and believed that the FPCA church land along the Mopac corridor could be used to build a retirement residence. Westminster Manor is often referred to as the "$25 miracle." A small church with a big vision felt a push from God to build this Christian Austin retirement center. The church realized that the project was too big for a small Presbyterian church but spent $25 to establish a board under the laws of the State of Texas to build and operate this dream. Church leaders led this project from investment, financing and construction to commitments from future residents, until it opened in 1974.

1978 | Move to Mesa Drive

On April 23,1978 the congregation of FPCA began worship in the Jackson Ave building, In the midst of the worship service, the congregation picked up their chairs and drove a caravan to their new building at 8001 Mesa Drive and finished the worship service with songs of praise for God's bounty and blessings on the life of this church family.

Our recent history

The 21st Century

2000 | Light the Way

As part of the “Light the Way” campaign, FPCA expanded its facilities in 2000, building out the lower level of the main building to add six classrooms. The project also remodeled the church offices and created a dedicated space for the First Presbyterian Day School, strengthening our ability to serve and grow together as a community.

2001 | Harpsichord

In 2001, FPCA purchased a harpsichord to enhance our worship and music offerings. The instrument became another way for music to enrich our shared worship and deepen the musical tradition that has long been part of our life together.

2022 | Vision Build

Through the “Vision Build” project, FPCA renewed its visual identity with a new logo, visitor-friendly signage, and remodeled Narthex and community spaces. Through prayer and discernment, ministry teams and staff reflected on who we have been, who we are becoming, and our place in God’s story, discovering a shared identity rooted in the truth that we are God’s beloved children who are Free to Wonder.

2022 | Let All the World in Every Corner Sing Mural

Inspired by FPCA’s Free to Wonder identity, an anonymous donor commissioned Austin muralist Avery Orendorf to create Let All the World in Every Corner Sing in September 2022. Inspired by the hymn of the same name and Psalm 103:22, the mural welcomes visitors along the hallway from the Sanctuary, inviting each person to pause, wonder, and discover their own story within its layers of lines, patterns, characters, and scenery.