On November 7, 1854, a small group of Presbyterians led by the Rev. John U. Vance organized the Rockwall Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Beginning with twenty-three charter members, the congregation met in schools and other church facilities for the first thirty-three years. In 1887 a building committee was formed under the leadership of the Rev. S. M. Templeton, and property at the present corner of Munson and Fannin streets was purchased. A small frame sanctuary was built in 1888, but a windstorm destroyed it three months after its completion. It was soon rebuilt and served the congregation until another church building was constructed on the town square in 1928. That structure was replaced by a new sanctuary at this site in 1980. Throughout its history, the church served the community by offering its facilities for outreach programs such as well baby clinics, elementary school tutoring, summer library reading programs, and a food and clothing pantry for the needy. Following the reunion of the Presbyterian denomination in 1983, the congregation's name was changed to First Presbyterian Church of Rockwall.