History of First Presbyterian Church, Statesboro 

The First Presbyterian Church, at first known as the Statesboro Presbyterian Church, had its beginnings in the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church at Riggs Mill (now Cypress Lake).  Mount Zion was organized August 1, 1891 by Rev. J. T. Allison, and the charter members were Presbyterians from North Carolina engaged in the distilling of turpentine and other pine products.  The church was dissolved in 1895 when many of these early pioneers moved away.  Then six members of the Mount Zion Church joined 13 Statesboro residents to organize the Statesboro Presbyterian Church February 23, 1896.  Rev. J.W. Quarterman of Walthourville was the organizing pastor.

 The first sanctuary was occupied on Broad Street in the spring of 1897.  This building was destroyed by fire in 1940 after 43 years of service.  In 1920, the church purchased property on the corner of Zetterower and Savannah Avenues and constructed a manse.  The building of the Sanctuary was delayed by the depression, and was finally completed in 1941.  The Rev. H.L. Sneed was the pastor.

 In 1963, during the pastorate of Rev. John Livingston, the congregation voted to choose a new location of eight acres on Highway 67.  The old plant was sold and from January 1965 to June 1967, church services were held at Georgia Southern’s Marvin Pittman School.  The present facility was dedicated in July 1967 during the pastorate of Rev. Robert B. Allman.  In 1987, a Fellowship Hall and kitchen were added under the leadership of Rev.Larry Curtis Mitchell.

 The devout Presbyterians from North Carolina who organized tiny Mount Zion Church in a brush arbor at Riggs Mill probably never dreamed that the church which had its beginnings in such a humble way would become, a hundred years later, a church of over 350 members worshipping in such a beautiful sanctuary.  Our pastor, Dr. John Bressler, leads us into a future filled with potential for progress in fulfilling the mission God has for us.

 HISTORICAL DISPLAY.  Historical memorabilia are displayed in the church library, located across from the Church Office in the Educational Building.  You are invited to visit and browse through the photo albums, etc.

 CENTENNIAL STEERING COMMITTEE.  Our thanks and appreciation to our Centennial Steering Committee for their diligent planning and leadership and to the many hearts and hands that have labored willingly and prayerfully to make this celebration a special and memorable time in the life of First Presbyterian Church.  Nearly every member of the congregation has served on a committee, and each person in the church has made many valuable contributions.   God has richly blessed all of our efforts, and to Him we give all the praise, honor and glory.  We look forward to all that He has in store for us to accomplish in the next hundred years.