1844 - The oldest church in Paris, Texas was begun during the Republic of Texas as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by Reverend Samuel M. Corley, a circuit rider based in Clarksville. He was assigned to the foreign mission board by the Synod of Mississippi. "I ride nearly 500 miles in extent with 33 appointments which I try to fill monthly. This is very laborous, but I am strengthened in view of the recompense of reward." The reward averaged $150 annually.

1846 - Rev. Corley went off to the Mexican War.

1847 - Commissioners made a deed to John A. Rutherford, Claiborne Chisum and John Emberson for two lots. A brick church was built, probably the first such structure in this section of Texas.

1850 - The three churches in Paris held candlelight services with singing led by a member. Two churches used a tuning fork to get the pitch, but Cumberland Presbyterian Church had a small cottage organ.

1855 - At least two members were "read out of " the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for training and racing horses. The church did not approve "dancing, card playing and horse racing."

1857 - A small frame church was built while Rev. C. J. Bradley was minister. He was the co-principal of The Paris Female Seminary.

1880 - Rev. Charles Manton became pastor.

1882 - The first year for Mr. T. J. Record to serve as Sunday School superintendent. His term extended for 37 years.

1891 - The third church of brick and stone was built on East Houston and First Street.

1898 - There were 381 on the Sunday School record. Because of the Spanish-American War the sum of $135 was given for Cuban Relief from benevolence funds.

1899 - The pastor was authorized to have a shed built on the church lot to protect his horse and buggy from the weather. The roof of the church was repaired for $17.20.

1900 - At the January session meeting, "the spiritual condition of the church was discussed, questionable amusements receiving much consideration and thought." The first written account of local women's work was by the Ladies Aid Society.

1901 - Dr. Charles Manton organized a Bible Class, "a mixed class of men and women." It was noted that there was $3.86 cash on hand in the Sunday School funds.

1908 - Mrs. C. I. Broad was elected president of Paris Presbyterial organized the year before in our church. Also during this year, on November 9th, Rev. Charles Manton, D.D. died. There was outpouring of sympathy from the community, as Dr. Manton had served the church for twenty-eight years and had been a vital civic leader for all of that time. A city wide memorial service was held the third Sunday of December.

1909 - It was moved and seconded that the time had come when the name Cumberland should be eliminated. "The session recommends the following names, Central Presbyterian, Houston Presbyterian or Manton Memorial Presbyterian, but leaves the selection of the name with the congregation."

1910 - On February 1, the congregation voted unanimously to call the church Central Presbyterian Church. A special collection was taken for a parsonage.

1912 - The Reverend R. T. Caldwell was offered $1800 and moving costs.

1914 - After buying a Moeller Organ for the sanctuary, the first concert took place on April 20th by Frederick Rogers of Chicago.

1915 - Rev. Caldwell went to Colorado for his health and decided not to return to Paris "due to the climate."

1916 - On the evening of March 21st during a session meeting, the fire alarms called out the city for respond to a huge fire. Pastor-elect L. C. Kirkes and the men present left the church to help. The church building was lost along with 1440 buildings in Paris. Dr. Kirkes was instructed to write to General Assembly with reference to rebuilding. In August, our building committee bought three lots and were instructed to finish up plans for a new building. Dr. Kirkes asked for a typewriter to help with his office work, but "our finances would not justify the expense."

1917 - The new sanctuary was used for the first time on August 5, and an evening concert on the new Pilcher Organ was performed "to which all friends of the church and strangers in the city are cordially invited. . . the church has always enjoyed a reputation for good music and is supported by a large audience."

1918 - There are 500 on the Sunday School roll.

1921 - Dr. Frank L. Wear left his pastorate here to become President of Trinity University which he served until 1937.

1944 - One hundredth anniversary celebrated. Dorothy Ribble wrote the church's history in a booklet issued for the occasion.

1959 - On September 9th, Central Presbyterian Day School opened with Margaret White as teacher for 10 students. The Rev. Mel Nesbitt proposed and formed the school.

1976 - Becky Swaim became director of the school. She planned to stay for one year, but taught for more than 15 years.

1983 - A three octave set of Malmark hand bells were given in honor of Bettye Hindman and in memory of John Mercy.

1988 - The church building was placed in the National Register of Historical Places.

1992 - The second of three yearly celebrations called "Heritage Sundays," organized by Georgia B. Bassano, was remembered by a commissioned anthem, "Windows of Blessing," written by Jane Manton Marshall and Tom Manton, grandchildren of Dr. Charles Manton.

1994 - The sesquicentennial celebration was held with a dinner following morning service and the dedication of a Recorded Texas State Historical marker. Rev. Judy Fletcher was the speaker, a granddaughter of T.J. Record.

1998-2002 - The Pilcher Organ underwent improvement by eliminating the leather pneumatic valves on each individual pipe (over 2,200) and replacing with electric valves.  Many new features and computer capabilities were added.  The project cost approximately $107,000.

1999 - The day school begins its fortieth year.

2000 - The Reverend Timothy Davenport-Herbst is elected the twenty-fifth pastor of Central Presbyterian Church.