Cumberland Presbyterian Church

A church built near a river? The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dallas started its journey in 1867 with thirteen faithful souls. They first gathered in the courthouse, led by Reverend A. J. Haynes. Their first church, a wooden structure built in 1868 near the Trinity River and Pacific Avenue, holds a significant place in Dallas history. The History of Texas cites it as the first Presbyterian church and the second house of worship built in the city. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church congregation didn’t stay put for long. By 1880, they moved to a new building on Harwood Street. This placed them between Bryan and Live Oak, considered the suburbs at the time. Progress continued, and by 1897, construction began on a striking red brick church at the corner of Harwood and Commerce Streets. The congregation moved into their new home in January 1898. This very building hosted a pivotal moment in the church’s history. In 1904, the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly met there to debate and ultimately approve reunion with the Presbyterian Church USA. This decision led to a significant shift in 1906. The congregation joined the Presbyterian Church and changed its name to Central Presbyterian Church. Then, on Thanksgiving Day in 1915, ground was broken at Patterson and Akard Streets for their next sanctuary. This building, envisioned as both a place of worship and a community resource, was ambitious in scale. It aimed to fill a void in the city, which at the time lacked public spaces for lectures, concerts, and recreation. The City Temple of the Central Presbyterian Church, as it was known, opened its doors in 1917. Shortly after, the congregation simplified its name to City Temple. Years later, in 1962, construction began on a fourth church at Park Lane and North Central Expressway. This building was dedicated in March 1963. The church adapted to its new location, becoming NorthPark United Presbyterian Church in 1966. Following denominational reunion in 1983, the name changed again to NorthPark Presbyterian Church (USA). Their journey continued with the groundbreaking for their current location at 9555 North Central Expressway in December 1989. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, even with its name changes and relocations, remains a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community.