Rome, GA

First Presbyterian Church

A church deeply rooted in history and shaped by continual growth, First Presbyterian Church traces its beginnings to 1833, when thirteen worshippers organized the Livingston Presbyterian Church. In 1845, the congregation relocated to Rome, Georgia, where its first sanctuary was dedicated in June 1849. Continued growth soon required a larger facility, and in 1856 a new church was completed at 101 East Third Avenue. Dedicated as First Presbyterian Church, the impressive Gothic Revival structure was built at a cost of $10,000.

The Civil War brought tremendous hardship. During the Union occupation of Rome in 1864, the church was commandeered as a military food storehouse. Its pews were removed and repurposed to construct horse stalls and a pontoon bridge across the river. The congregation dispersed, and membership declined to only 40–50 people. Yet with the end of the war came renewal. Over the next two decades, the church experienced remarkable growth, expanding to nearly 350 members.

The church also holds a unique place in American history. In 1883, Woodrow Wilson met his future wife, Ellen Louise Axson, at the church. Following Mrs. Wilson’s death at the White House in 1914, President Wilson returned her body to Rome, where funeral services were held at First Presbyterian Church prior to her burial.

As the congregation continued to flourish, the church campus expanded to meet its growing ministries. In 1948, the sanctuary underwent a complete interior restoration. A new education building was added in 1962, followed by the Hardy Chapel in 1972, where the Korean Presbyterian Church continues to worship today. The Christian Life Center was completed in 1995. In 2005, several downtown buildings were acquired and renovated to create The Crossing, a dedicated facility for youth worship, discipleship, fellowship, and community outreach.

More recently, the church completed a comprehensive restoration and modernization of its 1970 Reuter pipe organ. The project included the replacement of all internal leather components, complete cleaning and revoicing of the instrument, and tonal expansion based on a newly developed specification prepared by the church’s organ consultant. R.A. Colby, Inc. carried out the restoration, including the design and construction of a new custom console.

The console design thoughtfully incorporates the church’s distinctive logo. Four arrows converge to form a cross, symbolizing the church’s commitment to a Christ-centered life. The four points represent its core values: living together in authentic and loving fellowship; making and equipping disciples; sharing the Gospel in word and action both locally and globally; and serving sacrificially in the community where God has called His people.

Today, this beautifully restored instrument faithfully supports the worship, music ministry, and mission of a vibrant congregation, continuing a legacy of faith that has endured for nearly two centuries.