Blacksburg Presbyterian Church
A Timeline for the First 164 Years
In 1832, a small group of devoted Presbyterians had the faith and foresight to form a new congregation in Blacksburg. Those women and men sought to worship God, grow in faith and serve God in this community and in the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are people - individuals, families, younger and older, long-time members and newer members. We come from various places and backgrounds and unite our hearts and our resources, our gifts and talents, our energies and passions for the work of Christ in this place for these times. We bring different stories and experiences, hurts and hopes, and together we seek to become the people God made us to be.
We are the people with a heritage. We trace our ancestry back to Abraham and Sarah and the whole story of God's people. We seek to build upon the great heritage of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church as we bear Christ's light and love, hope and promises in these days.
We are people with a future. We know God is always at work in and through us and there is much work to be done as we worship and serve, promoting the purposes and reign of Christ.
Sincerely, Alex Evans, Pastor
1832
Blacksburg Presbyterian Church was established as a mission church by the Lexington Presbytery in 1832. It originated with 10 members who would meet in the Methodist Church building whenever itinerant Presbyterian ministers came to Blacksburg.
1848
On August 20, 1848, the new Blacksburg Presbyterian church building, at the corner of Main and Lee Streets, was dedicated. It is the oldest building on Main Street and the current site of Cabo Fish Taco restaurant. It cost $1,500 to complete.
1904
A new building was needed due to increasing membership. The first worship service in the new church on 112 East Roanoke Street was held on June 26, 1904 and was dedicated free of debt on November 13, 1904. The building costs totaled $13,000. The church had 45 members. The church building, currently owned by The First Church of God, was purchased from Blacksburg Presbyterian in 1959 for $60,000.
1957
Construction of the present church building with an expansive church school space, was begun in November 1955. The first worship was held in the current church building at 701 Church Street on May 26, 1957 and a Construction Service was held on June 2, 1957. The total cost of all facilities, architect's fees, grading, pews, and equipment exceeded $415,000.
1970
The Service of Dedication of the present church building was celebrated on September 13, 1970, with the termination of indebtedness on the building and the "burning of the note."
1992
A contract was signed with Avis Construction of March 16, 1992, for the addition of the present church offices and conference room wing and renovation of the church schoolrooms and the Fellowship Hall. A dedication service was held on October 24, 1993.