Photography by Scott MacInnis
First Presbyterian of Union Point
Greene | Organized 1898
The history of this church began in the Union Point community around 1860. In 1872, it was formally chartered as the First Presbyterian Church of Union Point by the Presbytery of Augusta with 19 members. Over the next 25 years, the town recovered from the hardships of Civil War occupation and entered a period of growth. In 1898, the congregation decided to replace the original building with the structure that still stands today—a thoughtfully designed church with finely crafted interior furnishings and abundant natural light.
+ Continue readingThe windows are among the most distinctive features of the church’s architecture. All four walls are composed of roughly 75 percent glass, an unusual design choice for the time. When the church was built, the large window openings were filled with translucent glass, which was less expensive than using brick for such large sections of the walls. In the early 20th century, these plain panes were replaced with stunning stained-glass memorial windows, donated by church members.
Each window honors a prominent family or supporter of the church, including the Hart, Sibley, Bryan, Boyd, Newsom, and Lamb families, among others. Today, these windows are considered some of the finest examples of turn-of-the-century stained-glass craftsmanship in the southern United States. Their vivid colors and intricate designs not only enhance the beauty of the sanctuary but also serve as lasting tributes to the community members who helped shape the church’s history.