One of Temple's oldest churches will soon be recognized for its historical significance.

First Presbyterian Church at 12 West French Avenue near Downtown Temple will receive a Temple Historic Marker during a ceremony at 4 PM Thursday, February 9.

According to Jonathan Logue with the City of Temple, First Presbyterian was organized in the fall of 1881 after the Sanfa Fe Railroad offered free lots to any church willing to erect a building.The church's original structure on the southwest corner of North 1st St. and Barton Ave. soon became the first church building in the City of Temple.

The current building was build in 1929. An education wing was added in 1957, and renovation of the Fellowship Hall and restoration of the stained glass windows were completed in 1985. Construction of addition to the building began in 2002 and was completed a year later.

Logue said Temple's Historic Marker Program was designed to recognize historically significant structures in the city and encourage preservation and restoration.

Businesses and organizations are also eligible to receive a Temple Historic Marker. For an application and more information, contact Sennett Farias at (254) 298-5418.

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