In the center of Macon, Georgia’s newly thriving downtown district stands a church nearly as old as the city itself. First Presbyterian Church, founded on June 18, 1826, has witnessed Macon’s changing landscape, culture, and population over the last two centuries, but as the congregation’s bicentennial attests, one thing has remained the same: God’s faithfulness.
Ruling elder Matt Kitchell explains, “God’s grace has clearly shined on the church. It’s a bunch of fallen but faithful people who, by God’s grace, for 200 years have moved in the same direction.”
That direction has entailed sending missionaries abroad to Ukraine, Poland, Mexico, Australia, Haiti, and Africa. In the U.S., sons of First Pres have gone on to plant churches in New York, Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina, and the church helped to establish the Presbyterian Church in America.
The church’s 200th anniversary celebration, spearheaded by senior pastor Chip Miller, began with the January debut of “A Moment from Our Past,” Miller’s series of short historical articles included in the Sunday bulletin. For the details Miller draws largely from church historian Harriet Comer’s book, originally titled “175 Years First Presbyterian Church 1826-2001.” Comer, 91, whose parents first joined the church in 1928, is currently working on the book’s third edition. These weekly historical highlights remind congregants that they a part of a legacy of service and faithfulness.
Church member Dorothy Peterson, 45, who first heard the gospel at First Pres as a seven year old, says, “I have been amazed at all that God has done through the previous pastors and elders, and how, although they’re distant historical figures . . . God has established the work of their hands for his kingdom. They’ve had a huge impact on my life and on the community. I’ve seen how being a believer isn’t about being recognized; it’s about being used as a member of the body of Christ.”
Peterson and her family joined the congregation, staff, and former pastors for the 200th celebration Sunday morning service on April 19. The service included special music, and Miller’s sermon focused on celebrating God’s faithfulness. The service was followed by an indoor picnic lunch. Kitchell’s wife, April, said, “That was such a fun lunch, inviting folks back. It’s not a celebration of one person and their work, but it really has been, ‘Look what the Lord has done!’ It’s not us; it’s the power of God.”
In addition to commemorating pastors and members from First Pres’ past, the church has also invited guest preachers to fill the pulpit. Beginning April 12, guest preachers, including Derek Thomas, Randy Pope, and Michael Youssef, have delivered Sunday morning sermons, with John Piper scheduled to preach Sunday, July 19.
That following Sunday, July 26, Miller will deliver his final sermon as the church’s head pastor and officially retire after 32 years in the role.
Reflecting on his tenure, Miller said, “I view myself as one pastor in a chain of pastors . . . Years from now things will be different, technology will be different. But the basic needs of people remain the same. So I truly view it as a relay and passing the baton that was passed to me.”
That Miller would devote his last few months as First Pres’ leader to spotlighting the history of the church and platforming other pastors comes as no surprise to Matt Kitchell.
“Chip is so intentional about not making anything about him. I think in some ways he has really worked so hard to think about the legacy of faith. What are the things that will impact us for the next 10 generations? He tells the story that when our church was built, there were 200 members in the church, and they built a church for 600. They had a vision for the future of Macon, and that’s part of the legacy that we inherit.”
Today, that sanctuary is filled to that capacity each week.
The building, erected in 1858, has received some recent renovations, thanks to a 40-year, four-phased capital campaign. The project — which the church has called “First4All” — has also provided a new educational building, fellowship hall, and courtyard.
The church elders first conceived of the plan in the late 80s after they committed to staying in their downtown location, despite the neighborhood’s long period of decline. The investment in the future of the facility proved fruitful, as First Pres now serves and welcomes a booming downtown population in a district that has seen cultural and commercial renewal.
The concurrence of the capital campaign, Miller’s retirement, and the church’s 200th anniversary has invited church leaders and members to consider both where God has taken them and where he is leading.
Kitchell says, “There is a continuity that the Lord was behind all of these little pieces to where we got to a 200th-year celebration . . . What we’re investing now is not just about us. It’s about future generations and the gospel, and so we’re grateful to be a part of it.”