A Brief History of Central

Central Presbyterian Church traces its history to 1828, shortly after the founding of the city of Lafayette, Indiana.

First Presbyterian Church was chartered that year in the young community of Lafayette. Following a theological division in the national denomination, First and Second Presbyterian churches both existed in the downtown area, with Second Presbyterian Church occupying the Romanesque Revival building at Seventh & Columbia, built in 1895. In 1914, a healing of the rift led the two churches to reunite into a single congregation known today as Central Presbyterian Church.

Central Church claims a unique role among Presbyterian churches in the Greater Lafayette community. Throughout its history, Central has provided both funding and congregation members to begin (or "plant") other Presbyterian churches (including Bethany, Faith, Dayton, and Covenant Presbyterian churches in the Greater Lafayette area), and has generously supported or started numerous community ministries (including Lafayette Urban Ministry).

Mindful of both Central’s history and the congregation’s future, the leaders of Central Presbyterian Church look to the new millennium with excitement, building from a rich tradition of outstanding pastoral leadership (including such notable Lafayette leaders as J. Dayton McCormick and Ernest Yorger). Continuing the tradition of excellent leadership, Central's congregation called the Rev. Dr. Jeff Cover as Associate Pastor in 2003, and then the Rev. Dr. Bill Smutz as Head of Staff in 2007.

Working together to ensure the future viability of Central’s ministry, the elders and pastoral staff recognize the opportunity, responsibility, and challenge inherent in meeting social, spiritual, and physical needs in a changing Lafayette community. The church will continue to serve the congregation and community through worship, education, and outreach for years to come.