First Presbyterian Church 1793
Encyclopedia
The First Presbyterian Church 1793, alternatively known as the First Presbyterian Church, is a Presbyterian church in Washington, Pennsylvania
. It has been the de-facto college church for Washington & Jefferson College
since the early 19th century.
. Matthew Brown
, who was President of Washington Academy
at the time, was the first pastor. The congregation first met in the stone academy building
of the Washington Academy
.
Then, the congregation worshipped at the second courthouse
, where the pastor would stand in the judge's bench
and preach to the congregation. The congregation acquired its first building in 1806. As Washington progressed beyond the pioneer stage, the townsfolk began to partake in more leisurely activities, including the playing of cards and attending dances. Reverend Matthew Brown
gave a rebuke to this immorality in a famous sermon known as the Serpent Sermon.
A second building, in the Greek Revival Architecture style, was built in 1851. It had severe structural flaws and was demolished in 1868.
James I. Brownson
, who also served as President Pro Tempore of Washington & Jefferson College, was pastor for over 50 years.
Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, within the Pittsburgh Metro Area in the southwestern part of the state...
. It has been the de-facto college church for Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
since the early 19th century.
History
It was founded in 1793 under the auspices of the Presbytery of RedstonePresbytery of Redstone
The Presbytery of Redstone is a Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church governing congregations in Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset, and Cambria Counties in Western Pennsylvania. Its headquarters in located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It governs 80 congregations and 14,971 total congregants. It...
. Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown (college president)
Matthew Brown was a prominent Presbyterian minister and president of Washington College and Jefferson College. Next to John McMillan, Brown was the most important figure to education in Western Pennsylvania....
, who was President of Washington Academy
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
at the time, was the first pastor. The congregation first met in the stone academy building
McMillan Hall
McMillan Hall is a building on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, United States. Built in 1793, it is the only surviving building from Washington Academy...
of the Washington Academy
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
.
Then, the congregation worshipped at the second courthouse
Washington County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)
The Washington County Courthouse is located in on Main Street in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania and is currently still in operation.It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974....
, where the pastor would stand in the judge's bench
Bench (law)
Bench in legal contexts means simply the location in a courtroom where a judge sits. The historical roots of that meaning come from the fact that judges formerly sat on long seats or benches when presiding over a court...
and preach to the congregation. The congregation acquired its first building in 1806. As Washington progressed beyond the pioneer stage, the townsfolk began to partake in more leisurely activities, including the playing of cards and attending dances. Reverend Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown (college president)
Matthew Brown was a prominent Presbyterian minister and president of Washington College and Jefferson College. Next to John McMillan, Brown was the most important figure to education in Western Pennsylvania....
gave a rebuke to this immorality in a famous sermon known as the Serpent Sermon.
A second building, in the Greek Revival Architecture style, was built in 1851. It had severe structural flaws and was demolished in 1868.
James I. Brownson
James I. Brownson
James Irwin Brownson was a prominent clergyman and academic in Washington, Pennsylvania.Brownson was elected to the Board of Trustees of Washington College in 1849 served as President Pro Tem. there from July 13, 1852 until September 20, 1853...
, who also served as President Pro Tempore of Washington & Jefferson College, was pastor for over 50 years.