Gold Country Spotlight: First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, A.K.A Church of the 49ers

In the early 1850s the Lure of Gold attracted Raucous 49Ers to Columbia, Hoping to get gold from the areas immense deposits. However coarse these early fortune hunters were, most had been raised according to Christian principles and ideals, and as women and children joined them in Columbia, churches (and schools) were established.

By the Mid 1850’s there were at least five churches in the area including the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, a.k.a The Church of the 49ers. was founded December 19, 1854. The Rev. John Brodt was the first pastor. In March 1855 the Presbyterians purchased a rickety board and batten structure that had been hastily erected by the Methodist Episcopalians (South) on this site. In 1864 it was razed and a new sanctuary was built: The wood structure was a modest 52 by 38 feet with a 43-foot belfry. The cost was $3,000.

Unfortunately by the time the 1860’s came around the glory days of Columbia were over and activity and population declined in the community—over the years dwindling down to about 500 persons. Membership in the First Presbyterian Church declined also.

By the 1930’s the Church was down to two members At that time, the church was usually without a resident pastor and the congregation became a “mission” responsibility of the National Board of Missions. A few…