National Register Listing

First Presbyterian Church

215 E. Commerce St., Greenville, AL
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville was organized in June 1825 and is considered the oldest continual meeting congregation in the city. The first church building was located on the site now occupied by the present church building and was on a lot donated by William Kirkpatrick in 1825. This building served the congregation unt11 the 1880s when it was proposed that the old building should be replaced. Before the building could be removed it was destroyed by fire on October 16, 1883. The present church building was erected on the site between 1885 and 1886 with the new building being officially dedicated on October 20, 1886. The church bell which had been purchased in 1869 and was the only surviving item from the original church, was placed in the tower of the present church where it remains today. The present church building has remained basically unchanged except for the addition of a Sunday School building to the rear in 1945 and a renovation to the interior of the sanctuary in 1969 during which the ceiling was raised and the original pulpit replaced.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture buildings churches religion Presbyterian denomination
The University of Alabama was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in college football history. In 1970, legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant walked onto the field during a game against Southern California and ordered his team to remove their helmets as a sign of respect for the recent passing of USC's coach.
Alabama random facts
Butler County, located in the southern part of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Creek and Choctaw nations. These tribes thrived in the area due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.

Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.

In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.

Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Butler County, Alabama.

  • 1819: Butler County is established as a county in the state of Alabama.
  • 1820: The town of Greenville is established as the county seat of Butler County.
  • 1821: The first courthouse in Butler County is constructed in Greenville.
  • 1832: The first post office is established in Greenville.
  • 1850: The population of Butler County reaches 7,745 residents.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Butler County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1879: The first railroad is built in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Montgomery.
  • 1899: The Boll Weevil, an agricultural pest, arrives in Butler County, causing significant damage to the cotton industry.
  • 1919: The first paved road is constructed in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Georgiana.
  • 1939-1945: Butler County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the armed forces.
  • 1965: Butler County participates in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery marches.
  • 2000: The population of Butler County is 21,399 residents.
  • 2010: The population of Butler County decreases to 20,947 residents.