The last of Danville’s historic “first” churches built along Millionaires Row between Reconstruction and World War I, this edifice takes the dramatic form of a Roman temple. It was built in 1911 by area Presbyterians who were the first congregation of any denomination to organize locally—in December of 1826. 

Their three earlier houses of worship were constructed on Jefferson Avenue just opposite its intersection with Patton—the first in 1828. The last of these buildings, dating from 1879, continues to be used by the congregation of the First Christian Church, which purchased it from First Presbyterian in 1910. 

For their present edifice, the congregation chose the noted architect Reuben H. Hunt of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A six- columned Ionic portico dominates his Neoclassical design, emphasized by light-colored pressed brick. Charles Orchard, the city's master plaster craftsman of the day, executed the handsome ceiling mouldings. 

In 1960, the interior of the original 1912 church was modified when the chancel was divided and the present pews installed, along with the Schlicker baroque-type organ. 

Just behind the sanctuary is a memorial chapel of traditional design in the spirit of the 18th century, added a half-century ago by the Danville architect, William W. Patterson.