A History of Our Church

Since 1830

There were few Presbyterians in Richmond in the 1820's and visiting ministers served these Christians. A congregation was organized in 1830 as a parish of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, but did not have a regular pastor until 1833 when W.M. Boyce became the first settled minister.

The first building was a frame meeting house where the home at 220 South 5th Street now stands. In 1866 a new building (still standing) was begun at the corner of North 11th and B Streets. It was dedicated May 5, 1871. On May 13, 1906 the current structure (pictured to the left of this screen) was dedicated. It was given by Daniel G. Reid  in memory of his parents.

(The laying of the Cornerstone) The Scottish Gothic design is made of limestone from Bedford, Indiana. The brick Victorian house next door (1004 North A Street, on the corner of 10th & A Streets) serves as our Office Building for the pastor, educator and office administrator. This building was purchased in 1952 and was the former home of Dr. M. F. Johnson. Additional office space is provided there for the Greater Richmond Area Habitat For Humanity and The Renaissance School For The Arts. A chapter of AA and Al-Anon meets here weekly and monthly board meetings are held for The American Sewing Guild and Habitat For Humanity.

62 Tiffany Windows

We have 62 windows...that were created by the Louis Tiffany studio. The north window in the sanctuary is the scene looking out from the tomb on resurrection morning took four months to complete. This is a memorial for two local elders prominent in the nineteenth century -- William S. Reid and Andrew F. Scott. The South window has Christ in the center flanked by the four gospel writers and their symbols -- Mark (lion), Luke (ox) John (eagle) and Matthew (face of a man). The east window is the fleur-de-lis, which represents the Trinity. The chapel window represents Jesus' visit to the temple as a boy.

Symbolism

The Celtic Cross; (suggesting eternal life) appears

over the east and south entrances.

The Paneling behind The Choir Loft; has the

symbols of our Savior's passion.

The Broad Footed Cross; (carved on the corners of the pulpit and the crest on the doors) represent two pair of crossed birds wings, symbolizing that God cares for us as a hen cares for her chicks.

Shields; (of the sixteen Scottish clans) appear on the sanctuary ceiling, reminding us that Presbyterianism came to us from Scotland.

The Quatrefoil; (on the ends of the pews)

The Stonework; (over the front entrance) represent the Four Gospels.

The Vine Symbol; (on the pulpit and communion table) represent us showing our direct connection to Jesus.

Tower Bells and Organ

A set of fourteen bells in the tower range in weight from 288 to 2,035 pounds. The largest bell has a quote from Job 19:25-26

engraved on it..."For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and in my flesh shall I see God."

The Organ -- was built by Hook and Hastings House of Boston. It was rebuilt in 1958 by the Wicks Organ Company. The console has three manuals and a pedal board to play the five divisions, forty ranks of pipes and one set of twenty-one tube class "A" Deagan chimes. Seventy-five draw knobs affect the sixty-seven stops. A large echo organ occupies the chamber north of the balcony.

Who We Were ... And Are

Reid Church has been a part of four denominations.

In 1830 it was organized as a parish of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

In 1858 Reid Church became a United Presbyterian Church when the Associate Reformed and Associate Presbyterian Churches united to form the United Presbyterian Church of North America. This, it remained for 100 years. In 1958 the union of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and the United Presbyterian Church of North America formed the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. In 1983 the UPCUSA or Northern Church, united with the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The PCUS or Southern Church created our present denomination...

Last Edited  04/01/2008