Our History

The First Presbyterian Church has been at the intersection of Court and Washington Streets since its beginnings as the First Presbyterian Society of Athens.  It was founded in 1809 by Ohio University's first president, a Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Jacob Lindley.  Dr. Lindley served this congregation as moderator and pastor until 1824.  Over the years, thirteeen pastors of the church have been either university presidents or members of the faculty.  Dr. William Holmes McGuffy, author of the McGuffy's Readers, was called to serve as President of Ohio University and pastor of the church in 1839.