First Presbyterian Church, Murray, KY Remodels, Renovates and Rebuilds

In 1931, nineteen Presbyterians chartered First Presbyterian Church in Murray, KY which worshipped in the Court House with borrowed Methodist hymnbooks and funeral parlor chairs. In 1933 they acquired prime property on the southwest corner of Murray State University (then known as Murray State Normal School) and in 1939 built a 3-room building for a Campus Ministry Outpost with a grant from the Presbyterian Board of Christian Education and the Presbytery. Donations from local members were also used.

A small sanctuary was built in 1941. Later (in 1954) the sanctuary was converted to a fellowship hall when a larger sanctuary was attached. The new sanctuary would seat 88 comfortably. These structures housed this congregation until 2006 when construction on a 200-seat sanctuary was begun.

The new facility, which will be dedicated on September 9th at 4:00 PM, includes a brand new kitchen, offices and classrooms. The 1954 sanctuary has been renovated into their brand new fellowship hall. The dream and vision for this project came from a 1998 task force named “Vision 2000.” This task force identified the need for accessible, usable space for the campus ministry program and worship space for 120-150 people.

The Rev. Dr. Ann Marie Montgomery and the Rev. Mr. David Montgomery have been co-pastors since 1993.