We’ve collected some church history facts as First Presbyterian anticipates its 200th anniversary in 2027.
Occasional Presbyterian services were held in the Baton Rouge area in the early 1820s, when the region was still a rough frontier settlement and Christian congregations were few. On November 24, 1824, the Susquehanna Presbytery sent John Dorrance, a licentiate from Princeton, to serve the area under the direction of Presbyterian missionary efforts.
Dorrance preached in Baton Rouge, The Plains, Manchac, and other nearby communities. Despite challenging conditions, his preaching drew attention and gained converts. His ministry proved effective enough that he was soon asked to preach in Baton Rouge every Sunday, marking a transition from occasional services to regular worship in the community.
