First United Presbyterian Church of Athens

The Rev. Robert H. Hodge (1805-1866), a native of Tennessee, immigrated in 1850 to Anderson County, Texas. After two years he came to Henderson County. He began Science Hill Academy (15 mi. S), the only classical high school in the area during that time. The Rev. Hodge organized "The Cumberland Presbyterian Church" in 1855 with nine charter members. He selected Athens for its central location in the county. The fellowship met first in the log courthouse on the south side of the square. The Masonic Lodge, 319 South Palestine, served as a meeting place. The Baptist Church, 301 S. Prairieville, was also used for worship. The first structure owned by the congregation was at 305 E. Corsicana. John M. McDonald in 1881 donated the church house. The first church bell was given by the merchants of New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Louis, Missouri. Merchants donated the first organ. In 1907 the congregation united with the northern church and the name changed to "The First Presbyterian Church". The present structure was completed in 1910 and in 1948 the educational facility was dedicated. The Pilcher pipe organ and chimes and the carillon were memorial gifts. After another merger in 1958, the name become "First United Presbyterian Church". (1979)

First United Presbyterian Church of Athens is a historical marker in Athens, Henderson County, dedicated in 1979. It is one of 65 historical markers documented in Henderson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 155 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.2053, -95.8516 near Athens. The nearest cataloged historic site is Faulk and Gauntt Building (historic place), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Henderson County Courthouse, Faulk-Gauntt Building, and The Athens Review.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014848. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.