The Rev. Robert H. Hodge (1805-1866), a native of Tennessee, immigrated in 1850 to Anderson County, Texas, and after two years came to Henderson County, where he began Science Hill Academy, the only classical high school in the area during that time. In 1855 he organized The Cumberland Presbyterian Church with nine charter members and selected Athens for its central location in the county. The fellowship first met in the log courthouse on the south side of the square, and also used the Masonic Lodge at 319 South Palestine and the Baptist Church at 301 S. Prairieville for worship. The first structure owned by the congregation was at 305 E. Corsicana, and in 1881 John M. McDonald donated the church house. The first church bell was given by merchants of New Orleans, Louisiana, and merchants of St. Louis, Missouri, donated the first organ. In 1907 the congregation united with the northern church and changed its name to The First Presbyterian Church. The present structure was completed in 1910, and in 1948 the educational facility was dedicated. The Pilcher pipe organ and chimes and the carillon were memorial gifts. After another merger in 1958, the name became First United Presbyterian Church.