About Us

The Colonial Church was a mission project of Memphis Presbytery and the Cumberland Presbyterian Men's Fellowship of Memphis and, with their help, five lots located at the corner of Perkins and Dunn were purchased at a cost of $10,000. Plans were made for building the first unit of the church, and ground-breaking ceremonies were held December 19. Construction began December 20, 1954. Members pitched in to help lay the tile. On May 8, 1955, the first services were held in the new sanctuary, with 88 people present. Both buildings were dedicated in a special service on Sunday, May 15, 1955, with Rev. John S. Smith, Moderator of the General Assembly, delivering the dedication sermon with 150 present. Eighteen pews, an altar, pulpit, lectern, and two pulpit chairs, all off-white Colonial style with walnut trim were purchased for the chapel with seating capacity for about 150 people.

In 1956, four Sunday school rooms and a kitchen were completed upstairs, heating units and fire escape were installed and the sidewalks were laid around the property. The north addition to the first unit of the church building was completed at a cost of $33,000. This brought the church floor space to over 10,000 sq. ft. At this time, the entire church plant was completely air-conditioned. In order to pay off existing indebtedness, the church had a bond issue of $55,000.

In 1961, Colonial's church address was changed from 4670 Dunn Road to 1500 South Perkins. In 1962, the Dunn Road entrance to the church was redone, with two large colonial columns being placed there. Colonial's building committee was named in 1965. They worked with the architect in bringing plans for a new sanctuary that were ultimately approved by the congregation. Residential property at 1486 S. Perkins was purchased. In a Building Fund Crusade, held in November, Colonial's people pledged over $71,000.

1968 was the "year of building." Bids on the new sanctuary were received on March 21 (followed that night by a 17" snowstorm). Low bidder was the firm of Hosse-Robbins. Burke and Beaty were our architects. The contract for the construction was signed the last of May, and ground breaking was held on June 16. The new sanctuary, with over 6,000 sq. ft. of space, seating 506 people, was occupied on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1969. There were 585 people present for the opening worship. The record crowd overflowed into the Narthex. The new Rodgers organ and Kawaii Grand piano were used for the first time, as well as new choir robes. Janette Culbreath played the organ and Barbara Hester was pianist. Dedication Day was April 20, with Dr. W. Shaw Scates, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, as the speaker. The Courtyard of the Cross was reverently dedicated as a living memorial to the memory of Dr. H. C. Walton, the first pastor of Colonial Church.