On July 26, 1856, only 20 years after Texas won its independence, the second Presbyterian church in Dallas County was organized at Lancaster. This historic old church had its beginning in the crude work shop of a cabinet maker.  Nine early pioneers and the Rev. Michael Dickson of Milford signed the first charter establishing the church. The first place of worship was a small school house where regular services were held monthly for 18 years.

After the Civil War, the Ladies Aid Society raised money for a permanent church site and donated $100 to launch the building fund.  On January 13, 1884, the First Presbyterian Church building was completed at a cost of $2,000 and was dedicated. This building served until 1910 when it was torn down to make way for the present building. The first Sunday School began in 1884.

From its nine member beginning, the new Presbyterian Church grew slowly - to 30 members by 1868, down to 12 by 1878, up to 70 by 1888, and down to 60 by 1890.

In 1906, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary. Mrs. Emily Guy was the only charter member living. The church membership was 140, and Sunday School had grown to 100.

The present sanctuary was completed in 1912, and a Dedication Service was held on March 4, 1917.

A new manse and Ann Lacy Cottage (reception room and kitchen) were added to the church property in 1921 and 1924, respectively.

Through the generous gifts of the Moffett and Henry families, a Pilcher Pipe Organ was purchased and installed in the sanctuary in 1927. Please see Our Pipe Organ page on this site for more information about this enduring legacy.

The Fellowship Hall, additional Sunday School rooms, and a new manse were either built or purchased during 1955 and 1958. During this same period, the church marked its 100th anniversary in July of 1956.

In 1960, Esther Rice went from our church as a missionary to Taiwan. After her return to Texas, Esther was an active member of our church for many years.

Between the years 1963 and 1965, extensive remodeling was done to the interior and exterior of the church and church buildings.

In 1976, in commemoration of our nation's Bicentennial celebration, a narrative history of the church was written for the purpose of requesting designation from the Texas Historical Commission as a "Recorded Texas Historical Landmark". Our church was so declared at a special Heritage Day Celebration on May 1, 1977.

In 1981, the church celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special morning worship, followed by dinner and an organ concert.

Membership entering the 1990s was about the same as in 1906, and so was the spirit. Major renovations and a new Fellowship Hall, which we enjoy today, were completed in 1990. The Sanctuary Rededication Service was held on February 25, 1990.

In 1996, the church celebrated its 140th anniversary, and in 2001, we marked 145 years of service to the community by hosting a reception in the Fellowship Hall.  In October 2002, we hosted a very successful Homecoming to recognize the 150th anniversary of the City of Lancaster and the 146th anniversary of the church.  Current and former members enjoyed a special service, including anecdotes from the history of church, followed by a delicious potluck lunch served amid great fellowship. 

Current membership information is available by clicking here.