Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Though what you see now is a 4-plex apartment, at this very site stood the first church edifice in Salisbury proper, built in 1868 by the First Presbyterians.
On June 11, 1872, a vicious tornado touched down in Salisbury, and the south side of church was blown the distance of ten or 12 feet from the foundation.
After so much damage, the church underwent “a complete transformation, especially upon the interior. Now is one of the best furnished churches in the city.” The structure boasted a 50-foot tower, with a bell that was heard across town.
Due to dwindling membership of the First Presbyterians, they disbanded and the Cumberland Presbyterians, the latter who organized locally in 1873, assumed ownership of the church building.
In 1877, the Methodists bought a half interest in the Cumberland church, as they did not have their own building in which to meet. In 1885, there was a bid between the Methodists and Cumberland Presbyterians to assume full ownership of the church building. The winning bidders were the Presbyterians, in large part due to Mr. W.R. Slaughter. Mr. Slaughter represented the Presbyterians and paid the Methodists $926 for their interest. The original interest price paid was $209.90 – not a bad profit for the Methodists!
The Methodists then purchased the lot at the corner of 4th and Broadway. Their new church was dedicated in the fall of 1886.
Regardless of the denomination of the church, locals always referred to the church simply as “The Presbyterian.”
During the 19th century, especially in rural areas, it was common practice for pastors to not only preach at their local church, but also to travel to nearby towns for the same.
In 1884, Reverend George Sharpe became the Pastor for the Salisbury based, Cumberland Presbyterian congregation. In 1886, he was joined by Reverend J.M. Gaiser. Reverend James Sharp who also served as Pastor, later became the Missouri State Superintendent of Sunday Schools in 1906.
In 1906, Reverend James Duvall became pastor and is the last known pastor for the Salisbury Cumberland Presbyterian congregation. At the time of his resignation around 1915, the Salisbury congregation officially disbanded. There is yet to be a photo of the church discovered.
By 1928, the church was torn down, and plans were in progress for the building you now see, which was completed in 1930. Originally a single-family home, American Tiger Realty LLC currently owns the 4-plex rental property and has done extensive upgrades inside and out.
Clue
One ringy dingy, 2 ringy dingy, stop 16 housed more than the phone company. The first petro station came to town but so much more lies in its history.