Our proud history and timeline

Our church has a very proud history of continued service both to God and to the community. We are one of the first congregations established in Troy, our church served as part of the Underground Railroad, and we are a registered historical site. Read through the timeline to learn more about who we are.

1803 - Ohio becomes a part of the Union.

1807 - City of Troy, OH was platted.

1812 - Frontier establishments seeking religious support. Rev. John Thompson, Presbyterian Minister, led a worship service at Alexander Telford's house, which became the first gathering of Presbyterians.

1813 - September 13, The First Presbyterian Church was founded by 15 pioneers. The original members were: William McCampbell, Henry Orbison, Polly Orbison, Hugh Scott, James Marshall, Isabella Marshall, Alexander Telford, Elizabeth Telford, David McClung, Nancy McClung, James Youart, Isabella Youart, John Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, and Rebecca Shackelford. Rev. Thompson served as a Supply Pastor. During these early years, services were held in homes, at the Courthouse, and at the Overfield Tavern.

1826 - After growing in membership to 69, a church building was built on Crawford St.

1838 - The Church split over the Old School-New School Controversy. The national schism was over the debate of Traditional Calvinist Orthodoxy (Old School) versus Revivalism (New School).

1839 - New School Presbyterians acquired a lot on East Franklin St.

1840 - Old School Presbyterians built a church on West Main St.

1859 - New School Presbyterians build a new Sanctuary on Walnut Street. This is our current Sanctuary.

1860 - Presbyterian abolitionists serve as a stopping point on the Underground Railroad. Visitors can tour the tunnel in the church basement still today.

1861 - American Civil War begins.

1865 - American Civil War ends.

1870 - Old School and New School Presbyterians Reunite. The Old School Presbyterian Church building is sold and all Presbyterians worship on S. Walnut St.

1876 - Women's Missionary Society is created.

1899 - Revivals held.

1903 - Fight over temperance existed.

1913 - Miami River Flood. Presbyterians celebrate 100 years.

1914 - World War I begins.

1918 - World War I ends.

1930 - First addition to the church building for offices, study rooms, a ladies' parlor, and a choir room.

1932 - Elders term changed from lifetime appointments to three-year terms.

1941 - Attack on Pearl Harbor.

1945 - The Troy Council of Churches was established.

1955 - Due to the large growth in the church, a Second Addition to the building created a Chapel.

1976 - Church placed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

1983 - The Presbyterian Church of the North and the South were reunited after 122 years of division.

2001 - Terrorist Attack on September 11. The church gathers with others in prayer in the town square.

2002 - Third building addition created a larger Fellowship Hall, Breakfast Club, and classrooms.

2013 - Presbyterians celebrate 200 years.

2020 - COVID-19 virus impacts ministry. The Church begins streaming services online