Newburgh Town Hall

Submitted by Tamara Kincaide

Main & State St, Newburgh IN

Click on the picture for a larger view.

After the New Madrid MO earthquake a desire for houses of worship were inspired.

In 1841 the first house of worship was built a 10 W Jennings St with the generosity of Mr. A.M. PHELPS. Mr. PHELPS was a prominent businessman whose wife FRANCES was a member of the first Presbyterian in Newburgh. This house of worship became Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It was later the location of the Delaney School.

Construction of a new building began in 1851 at a cost of $4000.00. The land donated by Mr. PHELPS and was dedicated June 25,1853.

During the Civil War the church bell tower was used to signal to call the Home Guard when danger threatened. The rope ran from the belfry to the HOPKINS house next door. A safe and assured way if someone was unable to get to the church.

In 1880 the Newburgh High School held graduation services to four proud graduates. In 1906 the congregation voted to withdraw from the Cumberland denomination. The new name was given as Newburgh Presbyterian Church.

The building was remodeled in 1927 and again in 1938 and the cornerstone was removed. A new organ installed and dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. CHARLES F HOPKINS.

In the 1937 flood the building was headquarters for the National Guard. In 1965 the building was sold for $14,000 to the town of Newburgh and referred to as TOWN HALL. Several remodeling projects were completed from 1968-1973. It was placed in the historical register 1978.