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Presbyterian/Abilene History: A Minter Family Legacy
A Prayer for Abilene

By Loretta Fulton

Just over two weeks before the city of Abilene was founded on March 15, 1881, the Presbyterians had already put down roots.

They claimed a spot at North 1st and Pine streets by setting up a tent. A marker on the corner succinctly tells the story:

“First Presbyterian Church of Abilene Tex was organized on this spot Feb. 27, 1881. W.A. Minter elder”

First Central Presbyterian Church, which evolved from that tent, will celebrate its 145th anniversary with several events, beginning with a kickoff dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25. Glenn Dromgoole will give a PowerPoint presentation on his “Abilene in 17 Syllables,” a tribute to his adopted hometown. 

At the end of the presentation, the audience will join in singing, “A Prayer for Abilene,” written by Dromgoole and Greg Young. After the program, Dromgoole will give a free booklet to everyone in attendance. 

The Presbyterian church may predate the city, but it has never existed just to preserve the past, said current pastor Cliff Stewart.

“Its significance is that for 145 years it has kept asking how the gospel should shape this city now,” Stewart said. “For nearly a century and a half, it has formed leaders, challenged complacency, and quietly reminded the city that faith is more than a Sunday habit.”

Glenn Dromgoole, 145th Anniversity logo, Cliff Stewart

Other special activities at First Central Presbyterian include a living timeline, time capsule, and gratitude board. The living timeline will include significant historical dates, plus input from current members, said Carlo Sosa-Ortiz, associate pastor for Christian Education.

“Church members will add the dates of their baptisms, weddings, confirmations, mission trips, and moments when FCPC changed their life,” Sosa-Ortiz said. 

The time capsule, to be opened on the church’s 200th anniversary, will contain letters from kids, teens, and adults, as well as pictures and drawings of memorable moments.

Church members can also contribute to the 145 Acts of Gratitude board. They can write down their favorite act of service – past, present, or future–whether they have performed the service or been on the receiving end. 

After Dromgoole’s presentation on Feb. 25, the following activities are planned:
Sunday, March 1 – A special anniversary worship service followed by a potluck lunch at 12:15 p.m. in Faith Hall. Church members are invited to bring dishes that are tied to a memory, tradition, or beloved church member. Throughout the day, church members are invited to explore the living timeline.  
Wednesday, March 4 – A dinner will be served in the church’s Faith Hall at 5:45 p.m., followed by a conversation with Abilene’s favorite historian, Jay Moore.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene