GENERAL INFORMATION
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church is an architectural landmark in the Chattanooga area. The sanctuary was designed to inspire a sense of reverence. Virtually, every feature carries some symbolism of Christian faith.

The seating capacity of the sanctuary is approximately 1,000. As many as 1200 persons have been accommodated on some occasions. Height from floor to ceiling is 54 feet. Length and width are about 150 feet and 50 feet. With the side transepts, the sanctuary is a cruciform; the shape of a cross. The exterior of the build is natural Tennessee Quartzite, commonly known as Crab Orchard stone. The entire structure covers 50,000 square feet. The style is modified English Gothic. Barber-McMurray of Knoxville, Tennessee were the architects. The south wing was completed in 1958. It includes a fellowship hall, kitchen, offices and class rooms for the children's department and the Child Development Center. The sanctuary and north wing were completed in 1963. The north wing provides administrative offices, library, choir room, parlor, Johnson Chapel and youth and adult class rooms. The total land area is 26 acres with parking facilities for more than 400 cars.

NARTHEX
The narthex is a place for transition from the outside world in preparation for entering into the worship of God.

NAVE
The sanctuary where the congregation sits. "Nave" is associated with sea-going vessels. A ship riding the waves is a symbol of the church being safe and secure in the storms of life.

AISLES
The aisle floors are Tennessee Flagstone; a reminder of the promise of Jesus, "Upon this rock I will build my Church ..."

STONE COLUMNS
The 12 massive pillars of natural Indiana Limestone form the outer aisles inspiring a feeling of durability and strength. The number recalls both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles as "pillars of faith."

COMMUNION TABLE and CHANCEL
The communion table is the focal point of worship. It stands as a silent witness to the love of God revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus. Two candles show that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Saviour; both Son of God and Son of Man. The chalice recalls the forgiveness of sin offered in the shed blood of Jesus. Seven steps lead from the nave floor to the table. Seven is a biblical figure representing the total or complete number. The pulpit and lectern are placed to the sides of the chancel to allow the Lord's table to be the center piece. The lectern, to the right of the congregation, holds the sacred scriptures. From the pulpit, far left, the minister applies the bible truths to every life. The baptismal font sits on the nave floor near the pulpit. Here, the sacrament of baptism is administered by pouring or sprinkling as a symbol of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

THE CROSS
The suspended cross is known as the "Celtic Cross." When our Presbyterian ancestors reached the British Isles they discovered this particular design. Apparently, it was left by earlier Christians who were Celts. The unique feature of this style is in the strong supporting pieces between the arms of the cross and forming an image of a circle.

WINDOWS
The stained glass windows were designed and crafted by Wilbur Herbert Burnham Studio of Boston. The chancel window, towering abothe communion table, is in three tiers. The lower tier depicts the Lord's Supper; the middle tier, the Crucifixion; the upper and dominant tier, the Resurrection. The clerestory windows (sides, upper level) blend the life of Christ and our lives. The windows on the right represent selected events in the life of Christ. The windows on the left represent corresponding experiences in the life of contemporary mankind. Example: the first forward window on the right is the nativity of Christ. The corresponding window on the left shows a present day nursery. The lower aisle windows record the Lord's Prayer. As one departs, the Benediction window shows Christ with hand lifted in blessing, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." Attending scenes depict our various destinations of service.

CEILING MURALS
The ceiling murals were hand painted by famed artist Hugh Tyier at age 78. Following the legendary example of Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Mr. Tyier mounted a scaffle each work day for three months where he lay on his back to perform the artistry seen in the 42 panels.

ORGAN
The organ was designed and built by the world renowned House of Raffatti in Padova, Italy. It has 3 manuals, 73 speaking stops, 49 ranks of pipes, brass festival trumpets, chimes, harp and zymbelstern. It is also equipped with 24 ranks of electronic sound.