In March, 1891, eleven residents of Randall County met in the courthouse and organized the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Until 1902 the congregation participated in union services with other Protestant denominations. In mid-June the “new” church was dedicated. This 1,400 square foot structure, originally located on the southeast corner of 5th Avenue and 11th Street, served a gowning congregation until the fall of 1926. Randall County’s growth and the Church’s melding into the Presbyterian Church USA during World War I helped promote a demand for a larger facility. A building campaign was begun in 1924 and resulted in the second home for the Canyon Presbyterians at 1319 5th Ave. in October, 1926.

We must admire the optimism of these 1920s Calvinists. Agriculture was suffering severely during the decade; two years after the new red brick structure opened, Wall Street crashed. The Great Depression stretched out the payoff of the Church into World War II. Yet the Presbyterians continued to increase in numbers. The post-war boom was economic and human. A need for expansion of church school space helped create another building boom. Periodic campaigns waxed and waned during the ‘50s and ‘60s, but no concrete action was taken.

Toward the end of a congregational meeting in December of 1970 a question was raised about what had happened to the plans for a new church building. The ensuing dialogue resulted in the formation of one in a series of committees to explore the possibilities and, finally, a formal building committee to plan and oversee the construction of a new physical plant. After much prayer and many discussions, land was acquired, architects employed, details polished and, in July, 1973, ground was broken for the third home for Canyon Presbyterians. Construction moved apace and on May 12, 1974, the initial communion and worship service was conducted in our present building.