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The Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church
On May 20, 1820 a congregation was organized in Kingsport, then called “The Boatyard Congregation”.
Now known as “Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church”, it celebrated its 200th anniversary earlier this year.
The location has changed over the years. The first congregation met in a log structure in the Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery near the Netherland Inn. In 1846 a new building was constructed. In 1910 the building was moved due to the railroad being built near the church. In 1953 the church was moved to its present location at 2049 Greenway Street just off Stone Drive.
Rev. Robert Glenn was the first pastor, serving from 1820-1826. The current building was financed by Frederick Ross, owner of Rotherwood Mansion, who served as minister from 1826-1852.
In 1973 the church was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.
The present pastor is Jeff Morelock. Due to precautions related to COVID-19 he has been leading services and Bible studies through the church’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/oldkingsport.
— By Randy Ball
