The following is the latest in our series of First Presbyterian Church history. These snippets have been collected in anticipation of our 200th anniversary in 2027.
In the years leading up to the Civil War, First Presbyterian grew in activity and responsibility, though it was often handicapped by the lack of a regular pastor. In 1840, Rev. Jahleel Woodbridge, one of the most influential figures in Louisiana Presbyterianism, became pastor and served for 14 years. During his tenure, a new church was erected. Dedicated January 15, 1854, it received glowing reviews in local papers as “the largest and best ordered house of worship in the city.” One of its chief features was ample room for the choir (more than likely to accommodate the hoop skirts fashionable at the time!). Rev. Woodbridge left later that year, and by 1855, another notable Virginian, Rev. Thomas Castleton, assumed the pastorate.
