First Presbyterian Church
Fordyce, Arkansas

Before Fordyce was settled, when only a few houses stood in the woods around this section, Presbyterian Minister E.M. Munroe of Princeton took this area under his care, for the first settlers were Presbyterians.

The First Presbyterian Church of Fordyce was organized in August of 1883 by Ouachita Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.) Hector S. McNeil and J.A. Kirkpatrick were elected by the eight charter members and ordained as the first elders of the new congregation. Samuel Fordyce gave the church its bell.

In 1885 the church called the Rev. Dr. J.M. Brown as its first installed pastor, a position in which he served until 1899. By the turn of the century, the congregation had grown to eighty-three members.

The present church building, now on the National Register of Historic places was erected on this site in 1912. The original church house was a frame structure and was sold to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The next, a brick building, was bought by the Episcopal Church and was used by them from 1912 - 1930, then sold to the American Legion.

"Enter to worship - Depart to serve" has been the motto of Presbyterians throughout the life of this part of Christ's Church. Through good years and lean, our members have been privileged to offer an alternative vision of faith to the people of this community. (1990)

In Memory: Mr. & MRs. George A. Moseley by Col. & Mrs. William J. Blythe.