First Presbyterian Church

On June 14, 1817 the Reverend Robert Wilson and Elder William Richey of the Washington Church met with Robert Robb and John Boyd, Elders of the Cabin Creek Ebenezer Church and organized the First Presbyterian Church of Maysville, Kentucky.  Pastor Wilson walked to and from Washington to conduct services at the new church.

The first building, referred to as “The Blue Church”, was erected in 1835 on a lot where the Washington Theater now stands and was destroyed by fire in April of 1850.  In June of that year Andrew and Harriet January deeded the present property to the church.  In December, services were held on the first floor until the building was completed. 

The bell, which weighs 1,394 pounds was a gift to the church and is used to this day to call the congregation to worship.  The other prominent gift in the sanctuary is the chandelier, originally lit with gas light, which was given to the church in 1900 after being imported from France.

In 1867, the aftermath of the “War Between the States” caused a division in the congregation, and for a time, “North” and “South” met on alternate Sundays until the southern branch built their own building.  The congregation was reunited in 1918.

During the flood of 1937, the church was used as headquarters to distribute clothing and other emergency supplies.  Throughout its long history, First Presbyterian Church has been home to numerous civic organizations and the Maysville Community College.

A major expansion program began in 1951 and resulted in the four-level educational building which houses twelve rooms and a chapel.

In May of 1980, the building was completely refurbished, interior and exterior, only to be damaged by an earthquake on July 27, 1980.  Some residual damage is still visible on the ceiling and walls of the sanctuary.