First Presbyterian Church
Brownsville, Tennessee
Come just as you are.We weren’t expecting anyone else.
Explore where your purpose and God’s plans meet. A historic, open and affirming church family in the heart of downtown Brownsville — with a seat saved for you.
A warm welcome to First Presbyterian — press play.
Welcome
You’ve found a warm place to belong.
For generations, our red-brick sanctuary and white columns have stood at the center of Brownsville. Inside, you’ll find an open and affirming congregation that follows the teachings of Jesus — who welcomed everyone, and so do we.
Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or are stepping through the doors for the very first time, there’s a seat here with your name on it.
“To guide people of all backgrounds into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”Our MissionLearn about who we are
Plan Your Visit
We’ll be looking for you Sunday.
Join us in downtown Brownsville. Come as you are — there’s no dress code, and every visitor is a welcome guest.
Sundays
Sunday School
9:30 AM
Adult classes gather in the sanctuary.
Sundays
Morning Worship
10:30 AM
Hymns, choruses, and the Word of God.
Would you like to talk with someone first? Send us a note or prayer request.
What to Expect
Your first Sunday, made simple.
Come as you are
There are no hoops to jump through and no dress code. Walk up the front steps, find a seat, and know that we are genuinely glad you came.
Hymns & Scripture
Worship blends traditional hymns with short choruses, led on piano, organ, and marimba. Every service is structured around the Word of God.
The Lord’s Table is open
We share communion on the first Sunday of each month. You do not have to be a member — all Christians are invited to the table with us.
A historic welcome
Our red-brick sanctuary has stood in the heart of Brownsville for generations. Sunday School begins at 9:30, and morning worship at 10:30.
What We Believe
Ancient faith, open doors.
We hold the historic Christian faith with an open heart — a place to begin, wherever your journey has taken you.
Open & Affirming
We are an open and affirming congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We follow the teachings of Jesus, who welcomed everyone — and so do we.
The Word of God
We believe the Bible is the Word of God. Meditating on it, we come to understand the grand story of redemption through Jesus, and how his self-sacrificial love transforms hearts, minds, and systems.
The Apostles’ Creed
With Christians across the centuries, we confess our faith in God the Father, in Jesus Christ his Son, and in the Holy Spirit — the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the life everlasting.
A Place to Begin
We see faith as a journey, and our church as a beginning point rather than a destination. Wherever you are, you are welcome to explore it here with us.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
A Word from Our Pastor
Meet Dr. Joe Pettigrew.
Dr. Joe Pettigrew came to Brownsville in 2021 to serve as our pastor, bringing a lifetime of teaching, leadership, and a heart for helping people meet God right where they are.
He preaches, teaches, and walks alongside our congregation as we seek the transformation of our city for Christ — and he’d love to meet you on a Sunday morning.
Dr. Joe Pettigrew
Pastor · First Presbyterian Church
Meet our whole teamOur Team
The people who serve here.
Pastor, staff, and musicians who would love to know you by name.
Life Together
There’s a place for you here.
From Sunday worship to weekday studies, shared meals, and movie nights, we do life as one family throughout the week.
Sunday Morning Worship
An appropriate blend of traditional hymns and short choruses, with a service structured around the Word of God.
Sunday School
Christian education classes for adults, beginning in the sanctuary before morning worship.
Communion
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. You need not be a member — we invite all Christians to the table.
Women’s Bible Study
The women of the church gather each week for a group Bible study and fellowship.
Men’s Thursday Group
The men of the community come together for a meal and a study each Thursday. The meal is provided.
Small Groups
We gather in homes for a shared meal followed by a study on a topic of faith — a warm way to go deeper together.
Our Life Together
Moments from our church family.
Missions & Outreach
A church that gives itself away.
Since 2002, teams from First Presbyterian have traveled to Mexico to build water cisterns for families who have none — a trip that changes the lives of everyone who goes.
2002
Serving since
630+
Cisterns built
50+
Members & friends who’ve gone
6–10
Teams each year
Near & far, we partner with
- Carl Perkins Center
- Boys & Girls Club
- Mustard Seed
- Haywood County Christmas Basket
- One Safe Place
- Temple Israel – Brownsville
- Pinecrest Camp
- Youth-Town
- and more, across the world…
Grow Every Day
Start each morning in the Word.
A short devotional in your inbox every weekday morning — a five-minute read to start your day in the Word of God. Written by Pastor Joe, easy to share, and free to receive.
Prefer to listen? The Thought of the Day airs on BrownsvilleRadio.com each weekday at 6:55 AM and 10:30 AM.
A 5-minute read · weekday mornings
Come & See
We’d love to meet you.
You’ll find us in the heart of downtown Brownsville. Reach out any time — with a question, a prayer request, or just to say you’re coming.
- Call or Email
- 731-772-2893info@firstpresbrownsville.com
- When We Gather
- Sunday School 9:30 AM · Worship 10:30 AMOffice: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM