The first Presbyterian congregation near what is now Tuscumbia was located near Cane Creek and was likely begun through the efforts of Rev. Thomas C. Stuart. “Father Stuart” was a missionary to the Chickasaw Nation who served near what is now Pontotoc, Mississippi. Following the establishment of a settler community at Tuscumbia, church planter Gideon Blackburn came down from Kentucky to oversee the establishment of a “particular church” that held its first worship service in 1824 at the Challen House on Spring Hill. Rev. Blackburn was a leading figure of frontier Presbyterianism in the Second Great Awakening. Blackburn not only organized the church, but he trained the man who would become its first pastor, Dr. Alexander Augustus Campbell. The church was united behind the full authority of the Bible as God’s Word and the belief that the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms are an accurate statement of Biblical doctrine. We continue in that great heritage of belief today. We are a member of the Providence Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America.
The church building was erected in 1827 and stands today as the oldest Presbyterian sanctuary in continuous use in Alabama. The church has grown and stayed faithful to the gospel throughout two centuries. The church has been the grateful recipient of God’s work of grace working in godly leaders. There has been a long line of 27 faithful and effective pastors who have served First Presbyterian Tuscumbia over the years.
There is much more that can be said about the ministry of the church over the years. The church is known for its commitment to historic Reformed worship, its wonderful Women in the Church ministry, its missionary commitment, its fine youth programs, and its vital role in the life of the community. The church’s worship has continued in the historic stream of the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition while also emphasizing joy and enthusiasm. First Presbyterian Church of Tuscumbia continues to be a lighthouse of grace and truth, preaching the same gospel for two hundred years to the glory of God and the joy of its people.
For those interested in reading our full history, please contact the church office. We are in the process of creating a new page that will highlight our 200+ years of history.
(Last updated 2025)
History of Pastors
- Organizing Pastor: Dr. Gideon Blackburn 1824
- Alexander A. Campbell 1824-27
- George W. Ashbridge 1827-30
- T.M. Arnell 1830-31
- James Weatherby 1831-37
- James O. Steadman 1837-45
- N.A Penland 1848-50
- C.F. Williams 1852-55
- Abram L. Kline 1856-60
- B.N. Sawtelle 1861-72
- H.E. Brown 1872-73
- Horace P. Smith 1873-77
- James G. Lane 1878-95
- R.J. Beatty 1896-99
- J.D. Wallace 1899-1903
- Wilson F. Trump 1903-26
- William Crowe IV 1926-29
- William V. Gardner 1930-33
- Charles F. McRae 1934-42
- Adrian E. DeYoung 1942-50
- Bruce H. Wideman 1950-55
- James H. Patterson 1955-67
- Ronald L. Siegenthaler 1969-85
- George W. Mitchell 1985-87
- Richard W. Markert 1988-95
- Jerry R. Robbins 1996-2002
- Randy E. Thompson 2002-2024
- Jeffery L. Hamm 2024-present