join us at first cumberland

9:45am      Adult Sunday School


11:00am   Sunday Worship Service




about us


We come together as His Church to participate in the vision that all may know the joy of loving God and loving one another.


The mission of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church is to give witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, preaching, teaching, fellowship and ministering to the whole person: heart, body & mind; that all persons may experience the saving power of God in this life and in the life to come.



OUR ROOTS


The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formed during the Great Revival of 1800.  More specifically, the Cumberland Presbytery recently celebrated it's 210th anniversary having been organized at the home of Rev. Samuel McAdow on Feb. 4, 1810 near Dickson, TN.   


Cumberland Presbyterian congregations are governed by elected elders who are part of what is called the "session."  


The Cumberland Presbyterian faith is not contained to the United States, with congregations in Japan, Hong Kong and Colombia. 


Cumberland Presbyterians were some of the first to accept women in leadership roles as well as the first to admit women to their educational institutions.  


Our roots in Chattanooga date back to 1841.  After occupying buildings on Cypress Street, Chestnut Street, and the corner of Oak and Lindsay Streets, the church purchased almost 30 acres of land on North Moore Road in 1955 where our current home stands.  The first phase of the building was dedicated in 1958, but the current sanctuary and north wing were not dedicated until 1963.  



meet our pastor

Dr. Krueger is fortunate in that he grew up in a family that helped him experience Jesus’ love in many and various ways. He was born in South Carolina to a Roman Catholic father and a Baptist mother. He was raised in the Baptist church and went to a Baptist college (Furman University). He then went to a Methodist seminary for his master’s degree (Duke Divinity School) and a Presbyterian Seminary for his doctoral degree (Columbia Theological Seminary). He served as a pastor in two Baptist churches over a 24 year “career” before accepting the call to First Cumberland Presbyterian in 2015. All of these experiences have helped him develop a tremendous appreciation for the church universal as well as the powerful specifics of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. 


Courtney is described by his coworkers and friends as a lifelong learner, an approachable mentor and counselor, enthusiastic and supportive coworker and friend, as well as a spiritual guide and caregiver to people of all ages.


Courtney is married to his college sweetheart Lea. They have two grown children, David and Sarah. In his free time, Courtney can often be found getting lost in the mountains hiking with his children, receiving priceless gems of wisdom from his wife, riding his beloved horses or hosting groups, church members and strangers who become friends at their small horse farm in Cleveland, TN.




music at first cumberland

Part of the legacy here at First Cumberland is MUSIC ! We are blessed with a wonderful acoustic space in our sanctuary, a beautiful pipe organ, and a large music library. Whether it be Easter, Christmas Eve or during our traditional worship service, you are sure to be inspired by what you hear. Our Chancel Choir, grand pianos, guest musicians, handbells, and our children all contribute to the musical experience in worship and special programs. Come listen or join in! 


You will be welcomed!

Music leaders at First Cumberland

Gerald Peel is the Music Director here at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. He is the founder and director of The Kinge’s Quire, a community multi-generational choir, and inSpirit Men’s Chorus, a 50 voice male choir from the Chattanooga metropolitan area. In addition to church music and community choirs, he has served as adjunct professor in local university choral departments. Peel holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga campus, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Adventist University.





Bruce Clark is our Organmaster and Director of Senior Adult Ministries.  Bruce has been on staff at First Cumberland since 1975 and was involved in the installation of our original Ruffatti pipe organ.  In 2019 the organ was updated with a new 4 manual Allen organ console to compliment the 48 rank Ruffatti.   Bruce plans fun outings for our Senior adults:  Sunday Lunch Bunch, Galloping Gourmet lunch outings on Thursdays each week, and special events.  He also aids our seniors during difficult times when they are in the hospital or making life changes. 


about the Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ

Our pipe organ is an essential part of the worship experience here at First Cumberland.  Rarely does a worship service go by where it's beauty and regality doesn't enhance the worship experience. 

Please click on the photo below for the June 2020 edition of The American Organist to read more!

church directory

Church members can sync our church directory directly to their Apple, Android, or Kindle Fire device with a FREE app.  NOTE: You must be in the directory to access it.  


Click the circle at left for instructions.

church staff

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  -Romans 8:28

Meet OUr Elders and Deacons

Click on the circle at left to meet our church leadership

Media

We are proud to offer both sermons and devotionals on our YouTube Channel.  

Please click the photo to the left to go to our YouTube Channel now.