Our Story: Faith that Endures
For more than 150 years, Presbyterians have been part of the Winnsboro story—people of faith, hope, and perseverance who believed God was building something lasting here. From worship on dusty roads to today’s welcoming sanctuary, our church has been a constant presence of grace in this community.
1871 — Humble Beginnings
Presbyterians first gathered in Winnsboro in 1871, chartered by Rev. R. E. Sherrill with eleven faithful members. Some walked or rode horseback from nearby Webster—just three miles away—while others came by wagon or buggy over the muddy country roads.
1907 — Building a Home
Our first building was a white pine-frame church near the cemetery, built on land donated by Nancy Cook, a local philanthropist who also helped bring the railroad to town.
In 1907, the congregation purchased our current site. Members moved a frame schoolhouse across the street—cut into sections and rolled on log rollers pulled by mules!—and reassembled it into the sanctuary we still worship in today.
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From mules and log rollers to playgrounds and fellowship halls, our story is one of God’s faithfulness across generations.
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1930s -1950s — Growing in Spirit
Between 1907 and the 1930s, the church shared traveling preachers and visiting evangelists from Sulphur Springs to Pittsburg, Texas. In the 1940s, seminary students also served, helping the congregation grow.
By 1953, the church was able to build a manse and fellowship hall—the Reid Building—in memory of Louise and Whitson Reid, a space that continues to host meals, meetings, and celebrations.
1984 — Recognized for Our Heritage
On May 20, 1984, the church was honored as a Texas Historical Site, and later—
in 2002—listed in the Registry of American Reformed Historical Sites by the Presbyterian Historical Society.
2009–2013 — Expanding Our Mission
In 2009, the congregation purchased the home across the street to serve as a new manse—a 2,633-square-foot house with a fenced backyard, a welcoming space for our pastor and family.
In 2012, the church purchased another nearby house for use as a church annex, and in 2013, acquired land to the west of the parking lot. The home that stood there was gifted to Morgan’s Mercy Mansion for use in their women’s mission housing, and a children’s playground soon followed—creating a space where families could gather and play beneath the shade of the church grounds.
2025 — Still Growing, Still Grateful
From mules and log rollers to playgrounds and fellowship halls, our story is one of God’s faithfulness across generations.
We give thanks for those who came before us—and look forward to what God will build next through the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church, Winnsboro.
