This year marks 200 years of service for the First Presbyterian Church of Milledgeville. The church opened in 1826 with a congregation of only six members, and in the decades since has grown to a congregation that continues to honor Milledgeville’s past.
On April 26 the First Presbyterian Church held its second bicentennial celebration event this year. With each service utilizing a unique way that complements the history of the church leading up to June 14, which marks its 200th anniversary.
The service began at 11 a.m., as normally scheduled, however it went much further than a typical service. The service this past weekend honored Scottish heritage through bagpipes, singing classic hymns, and the Blessing of Tartans, made possible with the help of Milledgeville Singers in concert.
The service began with music from the First Presbyterian Church with members throughout the church leading in prayer and the call to worship for all attending members. This service was accessible by visiting the church in person at 210 S. Wayne St in Milledgeville or by attending their live streamed services found on their Facebook account.
The First Presbyterian Church of Milledgeville has been a cornerstone of the city and surrounding area since its inaugural year in 1826, creating a sense of community and togetherness that has served the city for decades.
The welcoming services are far from the only way First Presbyterian impacts the community. Due to its longstanding history, it has been able to celebrate all types of different aspects of community identity.
The first true kickoff event this year came on March 29, focusing on youth programs to celebrate the upcoming holy week.
Most of the bicentennial events that have been held and will continue over the next few months have included musical special guests, providing historical context and using their art to bring members of the church together.
Musical performances during sermons are far from the only way that First Presbyterian has shown the importance of the past.
Each of the events offered by FPC incorporates important aspects of the daily lives of everyone in Milledgeville, from showing the importance of culture, to highlighting doing work for the community. First Presbyterian has still been able to bring the community closer together nearly 200 years since the doors opened.