Third Presbyterian Church

Third Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian church located at 617 22nd Street South, at the corner of 7th Avenue South. It is a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America.

Third Presbyterian was organized on July 11th, 1884. The church was an outgrowth of a “Sabbath” school established by First Presbyterian Church. After 6 months of operation, which included a two-week revival service under a “Gospel Tent,” the Third Presbyterian Church of Birmingham was organized. The church began with 31 charter members and was served by four supply pastors between 1884 and 1888. The following year, one of the visiting pastors was a young student from Princeton University, James Alexander Bryan. He would later become known to virtually everyone in Birmingham as "Brother Bryan."

After the church was organized, the congregation immediately undertook the task of constructing a building. The building, located at 6th Avenue South and 22nd Street South, cost about $5300 and was dedicated in January 1891, free of debt. The building was enjoyed for a decade, until April 17, 1901, when an apparent spark from a passing street car ignited something in the barn adjacent to Brother Bryan’s house. The fire subsequently spread to the house and church.

The building completely destroyed, the members resolved to rebuild. The congregation would continue meeting in a tent, without missing a service, until a new church building was constructed a block down the street on the corner of 7th Avenue. Completed in 1902, the building has been home to the congregation of Third for over a century. Brother Bryan would continue to serve the church and the city for 52 years until his death on January 28, 1941.

References

• Blakely, Hunter B. (1953) Religion in Shoes; Brother Bryan of Birmingham. Richmond, VA: John Knox.
• A Short History of Third Presbyterian Church 1884-2004; pamphlet arranged for Third's 120th Anniversary service

External link

• 3rd Pres Website
• Brother Bryan on Wikipedia
• Brother Bryan statue at Birminghamart.org