Church History

The First Presbyterian Church of Ingram, Texas, was originally organized in March of 1951, by Dr. A.B. Haynes, and his wife, Grace, with 39 charter members.

Prior to this, a group of interested people -- not more than 10 or 12, according to available records -- met and took steps toward the purchase of two acres of land with a six-room rock house on it, as a site for a church building. This purchase was made possible in part, by a loan and grant from the Building Aid Department of the Board of National Missions and further aid from the Synod's Extension Fund. The church met for approximately six years in this house, following some remodeling.

In September of 1956, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the beginning of construction of the Sanctuary, in the form of an addition to the rock house, which was later designated for educational and social purposes. This Sanctuary was completed and dedicated on March 31, 1957. Thirty years later, some remodeling and expansion became necessary due to growth, and upon completion the Sanctuary was rededicated on September 6, 1987.

An Annex Building which provided much needed classroom space and new offices for the Pastor & secretary was completed in the Summer of 1985. In February of 1986, the adjoining property to the East of the Annex was purchased and designated as a Community Center. Then in February of 1993 a 13+ acre tract of land on Hwy. 39, just West of Johnson Creek (across from the Arts Foundation), was purchased for future expansion.

Ground breaking ceremonies for the new worship facility at 101 Webb Avenue were held April 27, 1997. The old Sanctuary and Annex buildings were sold to the City of Ingram on December 29, 1997, and the move to the as yet uncompleted new building was made before the new year. A Dedication Service was held Sunday, April 26, 1998.

In July of 2002, the loan for the construction of the new building was paid off and the church became debt free.  A special ceremonial Burning of the Mortgage was held during worship on Reformation Sunday, October 27, 2002.  In June of 2003, the unfinished portion of the building was completed, adding two more classrooms, two more restrooms and a large nursery.

Following is a list of Pastor's who have served since the retirement of Dr. Haynes.

Dr. Glen Sneed -- Stated Supply

Rev. Lee H. (Pete) Smith -- Pastor

Rev. David Gallaher -- Pastor (yoked w/Harper Church)

Rev. Donald P. Owens -- Pastor

Dr. Paul Van dyke -- Part-time Pastor

Dr. C. Rodney Sunday -- Part-time Pastor

Rev. Thomas F. Pickering -- Full-time Pastor

Rev. Lewis A. Petmecky -- Full-time Pastor

Rev. David L. Tritenbach -- Interim Pastor

Rev. Raymond M. Tear -- Full-time Pastor