The Downtown Presbyterian Church has a long and significant place in Nashville history. Originally the First Presbyterian Church, the first structure was erected on the site in 1816. After the Battle of New Orleans, the State of Tennessee presented General Andrew Jackson with a ceremonial sword on the front steps of the church. A fire destroyed it in 1832, and it was subsequently rebuilt in that year, on the same site, where it hosted the Inauguration of James K. Polk as Governor of Tennessee. It burned down for a second time in 1848. The present edifice was erected in 1851, and was designed by William Strickland, a nationally prominent architect who had come to Nashville to build the Tennessee State Capitol building. Later on, the church was one of several buildings seized by the United States government and used as a hospital during the Union occupation of the city during the Civil War. It was designated Hospital No. 8 and housed 206 beds. During the great floods of 1927 and 1937 flood victims were sheltered in the church. Soldiers on leave in Nashville during World War II, slept in the church by the
Photo by: Tasha French
thousands. Today, it is one of the few surviving examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the entire country. Egyptian columns and a winged sun disk welcome visitors at the entrance. In the large sanctuary, where Farris and his group recorded, the Egyptian decorative theme is continued in the columns, wall paintings, woodwork and stained glass windows. Standing strong as a symbol of endurance and sanctuary to those in need, the Downtown Presbyterian Church ministers to the homeless and
urban poor through offerings of food, prayer, and assistance with prescription medicine and State ID Cards. It also supports a number of local charities and outreach groups ministering to immigrants, people living in impoverished circumstances, children who are wards of the state and women leaving lifestyles of degradation. Farris sums up his feelings about the cause that is dear to his heart: “I’m thrilled to release The Night The Cumberland Came Alive to help this community get back on its feet.”
To help, please contact: The Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 5th Ave North Nashville, TN 37219 dpchurch.com 615-254-7584
Photo by: Tasha French
Contact: Angela Shawell E-Mail: angelashawell@ dpchurch.com