Historic Churches usually have some interesting history. We wanted to place a few highlights in a timeline to give a sense of the history we remember at Graystone. 

Associate Presbyterian Church (Graystone) Timeline

1808

Founded by Rev. Wilson and Rev. Allison, the first congregants met in public spaces and private homes.

Dr. David Blair - First called pastor (1858-1862) - Staunch abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad. He and the Elders were very active in Anti-Slavery activities. One elder was fined over $10,000.00 (nearly 3x's the cost of the church building) for assisting fugitive slaves. 

1827 

1st building held 40 worshippers and cost $3000

1851

  2^nd building provided two stories at a cost of $3,400. 

1867

  The Norman Tower and a balcony were added to increase space.

A Worship War Schism 1894

  A church split - 22 members left when the pipe organ was approved for installation.  Started Second UPC which grew to 100 members. Building was located on north 7^th next to the Progress Office.

Back at First UPC 1923

  652 Members and a building fund of $12,622.78

1926

(June 6): First UPC began construction on the current sanctuary. Completed in 1927, the total cost was over $250,000.

1936

(April 1):  schism ends - 1^st and 2^nd UPC merge.

1944

  First United Presbyterian Church retired the $108K mortgage in 17 yrs.

1959

First United Presbyterian Church was formally named Graystone with creation of PCUSA.

1964

  Education wing was built.

1969

  Chapel was created.

1970’s

  Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) college ministry began.

1995

  Contemporary worship services began.

2004

  Sanctuary/Chancel renovations were completed.

2013 & 2014

  Graystone formally enters a discernment process to decide to leave the PCUSA. On May 13, 2014 Graystone left the PCUSA and was received on Nov. 22nd 2014 into Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).

2023

Construction begins on the Outdoor Ministry Center.  

Please view our bicentennial brochure as it provides additional history of our church. 

(This document is in PDF format. If you do not have a PDF reader, you may download Adobe Acrobat.)