This Property is dedicated
To The Glory of God
And in Loving Memory of
Clarence Elias Pigford
Presented to the
First Presbyterian Church
by Sally Person Pigford
1952
The presbytery of Western District held its first session at New Shiloh Church, near Humbolt, on November 6, 1829. The churches within the bounds of the presbytery were twelve in number. The delegate to that presbytery from Jackson was James Greer. The church at that time numbered thirty-three members. The first ministers to preach at Jackson were David Kerr and Thomas Lynch. In 1830 the presbytery took decided grounds on the question of intemperance, and resolved itself into a temperance society. At the same time it took a stand on the slavery question, not as a political question, but as a moral one. It was intended to look to the spiritual welfare of the slave. It was resolved that the churches take up an annual collection on the Fourth of July, or the Sabbath nearest to it, for the "Colonization Society. It was believed that a new native party Christianized could be transplanted into the bosom of their native land, the Dark Continent, and thus become a mighty factor in communicating the gospel to the benighted millions of Africa." This church also took an early stand for an educated ministry. In 1831 the presbytery was held in the court house in Jackson. The first Presbyterian Church built in Jackson was in the early part of 1830. This has since been replaced by an elegant house worth at least $10,000. The members of this church have already embraced the leading families of Jackson. The present pastor is Rev. J. H. Nall, D.D. The membership of the church is 312. A flourishing Sabbath-school is also maintained. The church at Denmark was formerly called Hopewell. This was organized about 1827 or 1828. In 1829 its membership numbered eighteen. The church at that place was built on a lot purchased from Joab Wilson by John Wharton, John Trigg, John Stetson, John Johnson, John Ingram, Benj. Tyson, and Evans Mabrey, in April, 1833. The membership is 127, with S. W. Newell, pastor. The Presbyterians have a church at Spring Creek also, but its strength is not reported.
